The Chinese government has initiated a series of new measures to offer its vast population of migrant workers more political rights and economic benefits, according to a report in the overseas edition of People's Daily.

The National People's Congress (NPC), or parliament, passed a resolution on deputy elections for the 11th NPC during its recently-concluded session. It says a quota should be set for the election of migrant worker deputies in provinces and municipalities where there are large numbers of migrant workers.

Xinhua News Agency reports there are around 150 million migrant workers in China's cities, but they currently have no representation in the NPC.

The resolution also proposed to increase the representation of farmers and industrial workers on the NPC.

The Ministry of Construction also announced it will try to cover all urban employees in its housing fund project, including migrant workers with regular employment in cities.

Migrant workers with permanent urban residency are also expected to be covered by the pilot medical insurance system. The Ministry of Health has handed a draft medical care reform plan to the State Council, China's cabinet, for approval.

(CRI March 21, 2007)