The State Council, China's Cabinet, on August 29 approved a string of new measures to narrow the gap in fundamental educational levels between the country's urban and rural areas.

China has provided children with universal access to fundamental education, or the nine-year compulsory education system that covers elementary and junior high education, but the quality of education differs among regions and schools, according to an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The government pledges to raise educational investment in rural and poverty-hit areas. Educational facilities in rural schools such as books, laboratory equipment, accommodations and cafeterias will be improved, and excellent teachers will be encouraged to go to rural schools in order to ensure the equal allocation of educational resources.

Latch-key children, the children of migrant workers and orphans should be guaranteed equal rights in receiving education. Moreover, the measures require county-level governments to determine the locations of their elementary and primary schools in accordance with local population ratios.

The closing or merging of rural schools must strictly adhere to relevant rules and procedures, and parents and teachers should be invited to offer their suggestions, according to the measures.

The measures urge local governments to strictly implement the Regulation on School Bus Safety Management created in April by the State Council to ensure safe transportation for students.