China took a major step on Wednesday towards the equalization of rural and urban education.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks during an executive meeting of the State Council on November 18, 2015. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

The move comes as China's Cabinent, the State Council decided that government spending shall be the same for each rural student or migrant workers' child as their urban counterpart.

A statement from the State Council said China will set a unified benchmark for public funds per student in rural and urban areas starting in 2016.

Experts say the move will cost central and local governments more than 15 billion yuan (more than 2 billion U.S. dollars) over the next two years.

Currently, a large number of children who have migrated with their parents to cities are excluded from state-run public schools and could only go to private schools, which are often poorly-funded.

The new policy will ensure that these schools will receive the same level of funding from the government.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)