China to better train veterans for employment

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China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs said on Saturday that they would improve the education and training for veteran soldiers to make them more competitive in the job market.

The country has recently attached great importance to its retired soldiers who are in demand of better treatment and targeted policies, especially pensions, allowances and job opportunities.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime," minister Sun Shaocheng quoted an old Chinese saying as explaining the need to improve the work, at a conference in Beijing.

The ministry plans to encourage veteran soldiers to receive academic education and better implement supporting policies including providing free education and training, and improve vocational education for veterans to enhance their employability, such as teaching more job-oriented and specific training programs.

Both state-owned and private companies will also get involved in the process to organize regional job fairs for veterans, and set up information platforms to share job posts.

For veterans who want to start businesses, the ministry will help with tax cuts, set up investment funds and provide professional guidance.

Veterans can also enjoy preferential policies, including in pensions, medical services, housing, transport and their children's education.

The benefits will be divided into different levels based on the veteran's contribution while in service, the ministry said.

The inauguration ceremony of the Ministry of Veteran Affairs, April 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

In July, the ministry, jointly with the Ministry of Finance, announced new incentives and policies for disabled veterans and families of martyrs.

From August 1, China's Army Day, pension allowances for disabled soldiers, police officers, state officials, and militia members as well as for family members of martyrs and deceased soldiers will be increased by 10 percent, according to the announcement.

After the adjustment, yearly pension allowances for veterans disabled in war and in the line of duty will reach as much as 80,140 yuan (11,656 U.S. dollars) and 77,610 yuan per person respectively.

The Ministry of Veteran Affairs, which was established earlier this year, aims to protect the legitimate rights and interests of military personnel and their families and improve the service and management system of demobilized military personnel.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency