Society

Methods suggested to ward off more migrants in BJ

By Nie Ligao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-08-03 17:55

Beijing's legislative organ is discussing measures to restrain the swelling migrant workers in the city, the Beijing News reported Tuesday.

A study of Beijing residents by the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress shows the capital city faces a swelling population that pressures its resources, public services and social management.

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The study estimated that more than 1.51 million migrants came to Beijing to live during the past four years, an average of 379,000 new residents every year.

The report mentioned a migrant population control model in Shunyi, a district of northeastern Beijing, which has only one-third the number of migrants than similar districts.

The report suggested applying the model to the whole city.

Shunyi distributed 150 million yuan ($22.14 million) to upgrade markets and ban the unauthorized roadside stands migrant workers tend to set up in 2008.

In addition, some labor-intensive private businesses and minor enterprises were eliminated by setting higher operation standards.

Li Xiaojuan, a chief with the Internal and Judicial Affairs Office of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress, said setting higher standards for industries that hire migrants could be an effective method to reduce their number.

"It works in Shunyi, so will it in Beijing" Li added.

Tang Jun, a researcher on social security with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, questioned the population management model.

He pointed out the Shunyi model would not restrain migrants but it would raise the living cost of Beijingers for service upgrades in those sectors.

"The root of migrants lies in the imbalanced development between Beijing and its neighboring regions," Tang said, "Beijing's development has been based on the support from all over the country and so the city should take its necessary responsibility."