The Communist Party of China (CPC)'s plan to send 100,000 college graduates to work as village-level officials in the next five years, has become a hot topic in Chinese newspapers and Internet websites.

"The plan is a crucial strategic decision of the central government," a People's Daily editorial said on April 2. "Well-educated youths will be tempered and become the backbone for promoting the country's rural development."

"They will help strengthen the link between the Party and rural residents." the editorial added.

"The plan is a response to the real situation of China's vast rural areas which are in need of talent, and has a great potential for development," said Beijing-based Education Daily. "Working in villages is a good opportunity for young students to show their talents as well as to build up their work experience."

In Shanghai, 3,778 college graduates have applied to work in villages this year, much more than the last few years. Among them, 2,648 will compete for vacancies such as assistants to village chiefs and secretaries of the CPC village branches.

The media reported that some top party officials including members of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau also spent years working in villages.

The CPC will offer a three-year contract with adequate insurance to the chosen ones, graduates with bachelor and master degrees. The monthly salary for one graduate with bachelor degree in the first year of service will be 2,200 yuan (about US$314.3), the second year's will be 2,500 yuan and the third 2,800 yuan.

According to the project, college graduates who have completed the three-year service will be given priority in consideration of being employed as civil servants in governments at all levels. Service in rural areas will be added to their accumulated length of civil service.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2008)