A harmonious society combines social justice and fairness in its
workings, caring for everyone from all walks of life, in
particular, the disabled who need more care and attention,
according to Wang Tiecheng, a veteran member of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in an interview
with china.org.cn on the sidelines of the Fifth Plenary Session of the Tenth National
Committee of the CPPCC.
?Wang is the vice chairman of China Disabled Persons'
Federation, although many a film fan in China would know him better
as an actor for his portrayal of Zhou Enlai in a number of movies.
On the subject of caring for the disabled, Wang said the country
will soon implement a new regulation that promotes employment
opportunities for them.
The regulation imposes a requirement that the disabled must
account for no less than 1.5 percent of the work force of
government departments, enterprises and institutions. Disabled
employees must be given equal opportunities for promotion, salaries
and social insurance. The regulations will come into effect on May
1.
Statistics show that as of April 1, 2006, China had 82.96
million disabled people, accounting for 6.34 percent of the
country's 1.3 billion-strong population. However, only 22.66
million of them were gainfully employed, leaving more than 8.5
million otherwise employable disabled people without work, and this
number increases by 300,000 every year.
?
Wang said: "Infectious diseases and road or workplace accidents are
the main reasons why the numbers keep rising. I hope the government
pays more attention to this."
He added that government departments, institutions and
enterprises that exceed the 1.5 percent mark, in terms of employing
disabled people, will enjoy preferential tax treatment, among other
benefits.
?
Self-employed disabled persons, too, will enjoy preferential tax
treatment and reductions in management and company registration
charges. They will also be eligible for specially designed small
loans when starting their own businesses. Those in the rural areas
are encouraged to engage in the cultivation, livestock and
handicraft industries, and will be given technical, material and
financial support.
Wang highlighted that the funds required for the implementation
of the regulation will come from the central government
budget.
?
Prior to 2006, these funds were raised by the China Disabled
Persons' Federation. However, poor administration at the federation
resulted in limited fundraising success. Funds raised in Beijing in
2005 amounted to only 200 million yuan (US25 million).
A policy change in 2006 effectively raised the requisite funds
through local tax authorities. About 1.1 billion yuan (US$137.5
million) was raised last year, almost four times more than in
2005.
?
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Wang Ke, March 14, 2007)
