China unveils reform guidelines on income distribution

China on Tuesday unveiled reform guidelines on income distribution amid growing public concerns over a widening wealth gap.

The guidelines encourage further work to improve the initial distribution system and stepped-up efforts to build a redistribution adjustment mechanism, said a statement from the State Council, which declared approval and transfer of the guidelines.

The guidelines call for a more transparent, fair and reasonable income distribution order, the statement said.

They stress the need to build and upgrade a sustainable mechanism to promote peasants' incomes.

The statement urged local governments and various departments to map out supporting schemes and detailed rules for implementation.

A task force was set up in October 2010 to study income distribution reforms, involving experts from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

China will work to boost national incomes, deepen reforms on the income distribution system and enable people to share the country's development achievements, according to a report released at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The country is aiming to double its 2010 gross domestic output and per capita income for both urban and rural residents by 2020, according to the report.