Chinese President Hu Jintao said the government will continue to raise pension for the country's retired workers and further improve their lives.

"We have to improve the welfare of the public and let them enjoy the fruits of reforms," Hu said.

Hu made the comments during a visit to north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

In the meantime, the president visited Jia Jun's family in Hohhot, regional capital of Inner Mongolia. Jia and his wife are both laid-off workers and their life is in difficulty.

Jia's family can hardly afford the schooling of their two children. When he learnt about the situation, Hu said the government has promised it will let no children drop out of school because of economic difficulties.

As for their medicare, Hu told Jia that the government will quicken the establishment of cooperative medical insurance system so that their medical fees will be covered under the system.

The president also urged local officials at the scene to step up reforms and promote the social and economic progress so as to help the people lead a better life.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2007)