China urges better services for ex-servicemen

Authorities on Wednesday called for providing better services to former members of the military, such as providing them with free education and preferential business policies.

Ex-servicemen should be given preferential treatment in terms of receiving education and loans, as well as paying taxes, according to a circular issued by the General Office of the State Council and the General Office of the Central Military Commission.

Retired soldiers will receive free education within one year of retirement, the circular said, adding that those who study at general institutes of higher education will also be entitled to school allowances.

Those who choose to start their own businesses will pay smaller or no sales, city maintenance, construction and income taxes for three years, according to the circular.

The families of retired servicemen will be allowed to receive a maximum preferential tax break of up to 8,000 yuan (1,304 US dollars), according to the circular.

Departments in charge of providing employment and personnel services should offer professional guidance and services for ex-servicemen, the circular said.

Priority will also be given to ex-servicemen by civil servant recruiters, the circular said.

State-owned companies, as well as state holding enterprises, should allot 5 percent of their job vacancies for retired servicemen, the circular said.