China to boost ideological funding for young college lecturers

The Communist Party will increase funding to enhance the ideological education of young lecturers in universities. But analysts see this as another significant signal of a tightening ideological grip on the young, following the publicising of "seven taboos" earlier this month.

A joint document issued by the party's central organisation department, propaganda department and the education ministry's party committee yesterday ordered party organisations in local education departments and universities to reinforce young lecturers' communist education in universities by using 16 advisories.

The advisories call on local party leaders to closely monitor the ideological development of young lecturers because they could have a significant ideological impact on university students, given that the lecturers are close to their students in terms of age and thinking.

Citing an Education Ministry official, Xinhua said teachers under the age of 40 account for 60 per cent of all teaching staff in mainland universities.

The document suggests that university party officials inculcate young lecturers with "correct ideological information" through various channels, including the internet. It says the party will help to improve young lecturers' living standards, resolve their children's educational problems and provide opportunities for promotion for those with correct communist thinking.