Extending pension to rural residents is an important step towards an equal social security system. It is another milestone policy by the central government after the abolition of agricultural tax and launching of the rural medical care cooperative system.

The pension scheme for villagers above 60 will start on a trial basis from October, according to sources with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Wednesday.

For farmers, who depend on income from the fields and have no provision for old age, this is undoubtedly good news. On a trial basis, a basic pension account will be established and supported by the central government; the pension would also be supported by local collectives and the rural residents themselves.