CHINA TOPIX

05/06/2024 06:06:32 am

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Improving people's well-being is CPCC's top priority


Identifying solutions for the government to address people's livelihood problems is a top priority of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), according to a spokesman of China's chief political advisory body on Sunday.

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According to Lyu, air pollution is the most critical issue affecting people's lives that should be addressed.

When asked about the solution to the pressing problem Lyu said,  "We hope governments at various levels can further strengthen their prevention and treatment measures, and conduct effective supervision according to law. Enterprises should also fulfill their social responsibilities."

"Residents should also play an active role in the process of solving China's pollution problem and should work in coordination will all parties involved in the effort, " Lyu said.

Lyu added, "It is an arduous and long process to clean the air. I hope blue skies are not a distant dream."

Lyu was also asked a question on the poor education and employment opportunities for ethnic minorities to which he said that the issue is likewise regarded as a priority by the CPPCC.

A special investigation has already been conducted on the issue by the CPPCC.  This took place from April to June last year in Shanghai, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

"The CPPCC attaches great importance to education and employment issues in these areas. We are lobbying the government to increase its funding and policy support for the areas," said Lyu.

The government has in its past efforts started to address this issue. A vocational education assistance program for ethnic minority students was setup by the Chinese government in 2011. Over 3,000 students from the poor areas in Xinjiang region were enrolled in 31 vocational schools in East China and enjoyed free educational benefits and a yearly grant of 5,000 yuan ($810) each for three years.

Lyu proudly announced that those students will be graduating this year. "I hope they can benefit from their education and find their ideal jobs," Lyu said.

Another issue that Lyu was asked about was the problem of migrant workers not being paid and of the difficulty these workers experience in claiming compensation for injuries sustained during work.

Lyu said that efforts to address the problem of unpaid wages have improved mainly because of the involvement and help of the media and many other different parties.

"Some migrant construction workers do not sign formal labor contracts and do not have any work-related injury insurance," said Lyu said.  "This is the reason why these workers do not get the compensation they deserve for work-related injuries," explained Lyu.

The CPPCC's 12th National Committee's second session in Beijing will start on March 3 and end on March 12.

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