Premier urges improved social aid via legislation

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called for improved social assistance via legislation, as part of efforts to help people in strained circumstance, according to a cabinet statement.

The social assistance system plays a vital role in promoting market-oriented reform and social justice, as well as safeguarding people's rights to subsistence and dignity, according to a statement released after a State Council executive meeting presided over by the Premier.

China is dedicated to perfecting its social assistance system, which covers the sectors of minimum living allowances, disaster relief, medical treatment, unemployment, compulsory education, housing and temporary relief.

Li noted that China has made positive progress in social aid, asking relevant departments to transfer such successful practices into regulations or laws as soon as possible.

The meeting urged authorities to adjust the minimum social security standard in accordance with local economic development and commodity price fluctuations, and build a support system in order to help those who are unable to work to make a living both in urban and rural areas.

It also urged authorities to clarify possible responsibilities that should be shouldered when it comes to social aid caused by natural disasters.

An improved social assistance system requires authorities to promptly offer epidemic prevention services and accommodation for those whose basic living is severely impacted by disasters. Interim resettlement funds and materials should also be provided for them.

In addition, for those who are able to work but who are not in employment, authorities are urged to provide them with vocational guidance and public employment services.

Authorities should lay out preferential measures in finance, tax and social management, so that charity groups, individual volunteers and businesses will be better mobilized to take part in social assistance, according to the meeting.

It asked various departments and local governments to improve transparency via publicizing social aid funds and supplies in a timely manner, concluding that those who fail to perform such duties will be severely punished.