China’s State Council decided on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to grant private school students exemption for tuition and textbook fees starting the spring semester in 2017, the China Daily reported. The move is an attempt to balance inequality between private and public school students.
"Currently, only public schools are eligible to receive funds to cover the students' tuition and other expenses," said Xiong Bingqi, vice president of 21st Century Education Research. "To be equal, students should receive financial support from the government no matter whether they are in public or private schools."
The meeting, which was presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, also decided to set aside an amount for every student enrolled in schools. This fund is planned to help cover student costs and physical facilities, among others.
A statement released by the central government also encouraged local governments to provide financial aid beyond the stated national standard.
To achieve the country's goals, central and local governments will have to invest over 15 billion yuan ($2.35 billion) in the next two years.
The meeting also discussed technological upgrades for China's industrial sectors, which are believed to boost the country's high-end manufacturing sector.
"A faster technology upgrade in key industries is a crucial step for balancing demand and supply," the statement said.
A technology development guideline will be released by industry watchdogs to strengthen China's manufacturing capabilities. The State Council did not specify which industries in particular will be included, or when the guideline will be released.
The technological upgrade is part of the "Made in China 2025" initiative, which also focuses on shipbuilding, aviation engine design, and semiconductor manufacturing to help transform China into a manufacturing super power over the next decade.