One-child policy becomes controversial topic (Xinhua) Updated: 2005-12-29 20:54
Argument: a risk cost of readjustment
Zeng's proposal has aroused objection from a group of Chinese scholars and
officials. Renowned Chinese economist Fan Gang said a relaxed family planning
policy in China will lead to an additional population of 100 million or 200
million, a big challenge to the employment.
Some other experts said the readjustment will surely bring about an
unexpected expansion of population in China, which will terminate the low-birth
rate.
Yu Xuejun, director of the Policy & Law Department of the State Family
Planning Commission, said at the forum that the readjustment will be based on
the cost of increased population, which may result in many new problems
including environment, employment and social securities.
The government is greatly concerned with the balance between the advantage
and cost of an readjustment to the family planning policy, said Yu, noting that
it needs a scientific decision in China on whether the family planning policy
should be changed or not.
China launched the family planning policy in late 1970s, which requires one
child for one family in cities, and allows two children for one family in rural
areas if the first child of the family is a girl. The policy also lays no
restriction to the number of children in families of ethnic
groups.
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