Issuing a directive on how to improve school exams and enrol students, the State Council, China's cabinet, on Thursday reiterated the importance of curbing the craze of "school selection". It has made it clear that students can be admitted to only primary and middle schools in their neighborhood, or school district.

Many parents try to get their children admitted to key primary or middle schools for which they pay a certain amount of money known as "selection" fees. This "school selection" trend is what the State Council directive is expected to check.

Making it mandatory for children to attend schools in their neighborhood is a common practice in many countries, because it ensures fair distribution of education resources. The ban on "school selection" is thus a huge step forward toward equality in education, which, in turn, is expected to end corruption.