提升乡镇政府服务能力(tíshēng xiāngzhèn zhèngfǔ fúwù nénglì): Raising the capability of township governments to provide public services

The general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, have jointly issued a document that requires township level governments to improve the services they provide.

According to the document, by 2020 public services provided by local authorities at the township level should be more comprehensive and convenient, and local authorities should form a scientific, orderly, efficient management mechanism for rural government services that meets the needs of the public.

Township governments, at the lowest level of the country's administration, should provide quality education in rural areas with suitable teaching environments, safe campuses and necessary support for underprivileged students, as well as providing better training and vocational opportunities for rural residents. Meanwhile, basic social services for special groups including the disabled, migrant workers and children living in poverty should be guaranteed, as well.

Moreover, governments at the township level should implement social security policies and improve public health services.

The document also calls for favorable policies, such as easier promotions and subsidies, to attract more talents to work at the township level.

Governments of the county level and above are urged to provide financial support for infrastructure, public services and other social undertakings in townships, and are also encouraged to provide loans and investment to towns and villages.