There should be less obstacles for migrant children to go to school in cities, says a commentary in Xinhua Daily Telegraph. An excerpt follows:

 

In 2004, the government of Lanzhou, Gansu Province, worked out the policy that migrant children can attend assigned schools without paying extra fees. It sounds like a good thing for the migrant children. But today about 70 percent of migrant families in the city have not been able to enjoy this benefit as they cannot provide the needed documents.

 

The four documents required, namely the original household registration paper, the temporary residence registration paper, the family planning certificate and housing rental or purchase document, are blocking the way for migrant children's education.

 

It really is difficult to get all the papers ready. Even city dwellers who do not have their own housing can hardly figure out how to get a rental certificate. And the requirement is ridiculous. A child of school age is waiting for education and no unnecessary papers should be required.

 

According to the Compulsory Education Law, it is illegal for parents not to send their children to school. Then what about schools that reject the children?

 

The local government of Lanzhou may have its own difficulties. It asks for the certificates in an effort to prevent fake migrant children from enjoying the benefit. However this policy only affects migrants since the locals have no reason to fake migrant status.

 

It may not be a big deal for the local government to waive the extra fees for transient students, and it means a lot for migrant children. And why should people pay extra fees when they live in this city and contribute to the economy of the place?

 

For many migrant children in Lanzhou, the "good" policy is only a beautiful cake drawn on paper. The local government should take prompt actions to clear the barriers.

 

(China Daily January 12, 2007)