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The government should put more resources into setting up a sound welfare system for the aged, especially those in rural areas, says a commentary in Beijing News. An excerpt follows:

News had it that many old beggars could be seen near train stations, tourist attractions and other spots in big cities. When asked to go to government facilities housing homeless people, these old people would usually refuse, saying these facilities could accommodate them only temporarily and that they could not find other aid in the long run.

Current regulations stipulate that homeless people should stay in city shelters for no more than 10 days. After that, they should be sent back to their hometowns, where local governments should take care of them. However, these people can barely get enough support from local institutes.

A survey of 10,401 old people in 72 villages of the country in 2005 indicated they earned an average 650 yuan (US$81.25) every year. Around 5 percent of them could not get three meals every day, 93 percent could not afford to buy a single item of new clothing in a year.

Citizens should be sheltered by multiple arrangements under the welfare system, including a minimum living guarantee, pension plan, medical care as well as support facilities for the homeless.

Admittedly, the government has made huge efforts towards this target. Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the central bank, reportedly said it was now the best time for the country to launch a reform of the pension plan and medical care system.

Zhou is right about this. The country is seeing an economic prosperity that would enable it to pay the huge bills involved in reform, the elderly population is rapidly increasing, and people from all walks of life are motivated in the effort to achieve a harmonious society. All these conditions make it an urgent task to take measures and offer enough shelter for the aged, especially those in rural areas.

(China Daily November 22, 2006)