BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday announced guidelines to improve its public services in the next few years.

"Equalization" was highlighted in the document released by the State Council Wednesday, which said the government would ensure equal opportunities for all citizens to receive basic public services and make the system more inclusive.

Underprivileged people will see more favorable policies, and urban-rural gaps in public services will be narrowed.

By 2020, China will strive to bring its public service system to completion and make new progress in multiple areas, according to the document.

"It is a commitment for social justice and equal rights for the people, which is significant to the country in the middle of comprehensive reforms and for building a moderately prosperous society," said Yang Yiyong, a researcher of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission.

The government for the first time published a list of 81 public services in eight categories in the document, including education, employment, social security and health care.