A series of preferential measures covering medical services, education and employment recommendations were put forward by the Pingtan bureau of civil affairs on Sunday, May 5, to encourage residents to relocate for a land procurement project.

Hundreds of residents across many villages in Pingtan have or will have to move out for construction projects. Each family will get a compensation of 30,000 yuan ($4,872) in return.

Children of relocatees who move out before May 27 will be able to choose their schools in urban districts or rural areas. They will also get student loans as a matter of priority and receive help from charitable entrepreneurs and organizations if needed, said the bureau.

The local health department will hold free medical clinic tours in Aoqian township, where a great many residents will have to relocate. People above the age of 65 can enjoy free check-ups at the local health center from May 28 to June 10.

The bureau will also provide employment skill-honing courses for those who have lost their houses and will recommend them to various posts in enterprises in the pilot zone, where they will enjoy better insurance services.

For relocatees with disabilities, besides free job training sessions, the bureau will also give away assistive devices, pay for cataract surgeries, provide rehab training classes for children, and allocate 5,000 yuan at a time for those who have a start-up,.

Qualified relocatees can apply for a minimum subsidy from the government, added the bureau.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai