The work of millions of volunteers across the nation will be recorded and graded in a central database by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, an official said.

The star-based grading system, with five stars denoting exemplary work, is set to be launched by 2015.

"It will be initially tested in 136 pilot areas over the next two years, and if everything goes smoothly it can be rolled out across the country," said Li Hongmei, director of the No 2 social division of the Ministry of Civil Affairs' department of social workers.