China calls on urban retirees, veterans to return to rural roots in ‘revitalisation’ push

Circular signed by nine ministries and several government bodies urges ‘capable people’ to head home to push rural revitalisation goal

Policy may fail without reform of law barring returnees from leasing or owning land, or provision of better healthcare, observers warn

Reading Time:3 minutes

President Xi Jinping has emphasised his calls to “put rural revitalisation in a prominent position” in the development of China. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 8:00pm, 3 Sep 2023

Chinese public sector retirees and uniformed services veterans have been called upon to return to their rural roots, in the central government’s latest bid to respond to President Xi Jinping’s calls to “revitalise the countryside”.

However, a lack of clear incentives could hobble the ambitious plan, observers warned.

Nine central ministries, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, recently issued a joint circular, calling for retirees with experience in public service, education, healthcare and technology, as well as military veterans, to return to their hometowns to settle down and help achieve rural revitalisation.

Returnees should be encouraged to take up roles such as development counsellors, village-level affairs supervisors, public opinion collectors and village development advisers, according to the notice.

“Rural vitalisation relies primarily on talent and resources,” the circular said.

“It is important to attract a group of talented individuals, college graduates and skilled workers to return to their rural hometowns, and persuade migrant workers to head home. Entrepreneurs are also welcome.”

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x