Increases the bookmark digg Google Delicious buzz friendfeed Linkedin diigo stumbleupon Qzone QQ Microblog China's press and publication watchdog said Sunday that literacy has been included as part of a national legislation plan.

Average literacy rates in China are lower than those of developed countries, according to the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

Improving literacy is a systematic effort and creating relevant regulations is necessary, according to the administration.

A group was set up in March by the administration to create draft of such regulations. The group will perfect its draft by soliciting public opinions online and conducting field research.

The administration is expected to submit the draft to the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council by the end of the year, it said.

The administration said it will take effective measures to provide the public with adequate reading resources and facilities, it added.