BEIJING -- The Chinese government planned to improve social services for retired officers, especially senior and disabled ones, said Sunday's The Beijing News.

The daily newspaper quoted a statement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs as saying that the ministry planned to introduce private nursing and day care services into the services for retired officers so as to improve efficiency.

Elderly retired officers used to be taken care by armed forces but over the past few years they have been gradually handed over to the civilian sector.

According to the ministry, more than 240,000 retired officers have been under the civilian care. The government will provide housing and nursing services for them.

Efforts will be made to ensure the living quality of these elderly officers, especially those who are childless, at very old age or in poor health, the ministry statement said.

Local governments are urged to allocate enough budget and resources for them, the statement added.