From Chinese Press

Grads have right to rural hukou

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-23 07:46

It is rather difficult for college students from rural areas to return home as "formal residents" under the current household registration (hukou) system. The authorities need to pay more attention to this emerging problem, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpt:

Back in the 1980s, many rural youths were desperate to become urban residents because an urban hukou brought with it lots of welfare. But today many university graduates who long for a rural hukou find it very difficult to obtain it.

Such a situation has increased the value of rural hukou and reflects the loophole in the household management mechanism. Perhaps university graduates want rural hukou to get benefits such as demolition compensation and group welfare.

More importantly, many of them want to go back to their villages to work. Some of the graduates wish to make their career in the countryside, and for that they need a rural hukou.

Since an urban hukou is a temporary change for students after they enter universities, they should have the right and freedom to revert to their rural hukou after graduation. Besides, they are justified in seeking the right to work and prosper in rural areas and to enjoy its benefits.

College students have the right to go back to the countryside after graduation, which will not only help fulfill their needs for livelihood and prosperity, but also introduce talents to rural areas and promote rural development.

Therefore, no one should be prejudiced against college students who want re-register for rural household. No one should pose obstacles in their way back home.