For the first time in their short history, the recruitment examinations for central government offices are truly open to all qualified citizens irrespective of where they live.

Until last year, more often than not, one had to be a registered permanent resident of Beijing in order to become a public servant.

This may sound outrageous to outsiders. It makes many wonder whether they are recruiting for the central people's government, or government of Beijingers. But that has been the case, year after year.

It is good to see the back of such an insane stipulation. The Ministry of Personnel and the Organizational Department of the Communist Party Central Committee deserve credit for ordering its removal, though it is long overdue.

But obviously more has to be done to make the annual civil service recruitment drive respectable.

Yang Shijian, 36, who applied to sit the exams but was barred because of his age, has filed a law suit at a Beijing court against the Ministry of Personnel for the latter's violation of his right to equal opportunities in employment.

Based on the 1994 Provisional Regulations on the Recruitment of State Public Servants, the ministry's online registration programme is set to automatically disqualify all applicants over the age of 35.

Yang, a law student, believes this rule is in conflict with the Constitution's promise of equality and the right to work for all citizens.

It is beyond our authority to interpret the laws. Still, we find Yang's case to be of significance. It reminds us of the unsettling magnitude of age discrimination in present-day China.

The age of 35 has become an ominous watershed for job-hunters. Examine any advert or attend any job fair and the chances are the overwhelming majority of recruiters, no matter whether they are academic institutions, government agencies or businesses, will automatically reject applicants above the age of 35.

Such people are usually the most productive workers. They are old enough to make sensible judgments in their careers as well as personal lives, but young enough to create and absorb new concepts, and translate bold ideas into action.

There are 400 million Chinese citizens between the age of 35 and legal retirement ages. Retirement ages in China usually are 55 for women and 60 for men although the ages may also vary in accordance with one's gender, health and administrative seniority. Denying them jobs infringes on their constitutional right to employment. The rule ruins lives, harms the economy and sows seeds of instability.

But, most of all, it is immoral. Even if there is any legislative basis for such discrimination, it must be eliminated, as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Personnel should set a good example for all employers in terms of its recruiting practice. The recruitment examinations are a test of its credibility when it talks of equal opportunities and criticism of discrimination.

We are waiting for the ministry to explain why a 36-year-old is not qualified to serve the public.

(China Daily November 7, 2005)