China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs held a press conference on Oct 20 to provide an update on social welfare initiatives for the third quarter of 2023 and outline the Ministry’s focus areas for the fourth quarter.
The ministry highlighted progress strengthening social assistance for low-income groups, including new guidelines to improve tiered aid and expand temporary relief. Regulatory crackdowns on industry associations reduced business burdens by 2.75 billion yuan ($377 million). Oversight of social organizations continued, with over 2,000 illegal organizations placed under investigation.
A pilot for inter-provincial marriage registration saw nearly 200,000 new registrations processed this year. Government policies this year also dynamically raised allowances for disabled people.
Elderly care campaigns have led to nursing home upgrades with new facilities. Promotion for charitable causes also continued. Currently, there are over 13,000 registered charitable groups.
Priorities for the Chinese government in the fourth quarter center on expanding social welfare frameworks for people, monitoring low-income households, and continuing to enhance elderly care. The last encompasses nursing home safety initiatives and meal delivery promotions.
The ministry will also provide employment support to young graduates by asking NGOs to take in more graduates and unemployed people.
Supervision of illegal NGOs will intensify, alongside promotions for cross-province marriage registration pilots. The ministry will continue to make sure subsistence allowances for disabled people are delivered on time.
The Chinese government’s winter relief campaigns will provide aid for people in difficulties. Care services for rural children whose parents have left to work in cities will also be enhanced.
The Ministry’s update highlights China’s expanding social safety net and welfare reforms. Quarterly targets help ensure continued focus on assisting vulnerable groups through supportive policymaking, regulatory action, and social welfare program implementation.
