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)