State-Councilor Hua Jianmin has urged local governments to be fully aware of the importance and urgency of assisting migrant workers from the countryside, calling it a major task in resolving problems regarding rural development and building a harmonious socialist society.

Hua, who is also secretary-general of the State Council, made the remarks at a national workshop on the issue of farmers-turned workers in cities on Friday.

The meeting was aimed at implementing a State Council document, which was issued at the beginning of this year and contains 40 measures on protecting the legal rights of the migrant workers and improving the ability to find jobs in cities.

In his speech, Hua urged local governments and relevant departments to fulfill their duties and ensure that the policies and measures will be implemented substantially.

This year, the government will try to resolve five problems regarding this vulnerable group of people -- relatively low and delayed pay, labor management and security, hiring and training, social security, and public service, especially schooling of their children, according to the official.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2006)