Public services get boost

China will seek to establish and refine a basic public service standard system, according to a guideline published on Dec 12.

The guideline, jointly issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, is aimed to promote equal, inclusive and convenient public services, improve livelihoods and push forward the modernization of a national governance system.

The guideline called for establishing and improving a standard system on basic public services, regulating the duties of expenditure between the central and local authorities, and pushing forward a unified basic public service system in urban and rural areas.

It also required ensuring the services cover all people equally so that they can have a sense of fulfillment, happiness and security. It specified that access to nine fields, such as childcare, education, employment, medical services and housing, should be ensured.

By 2025, the concept of providing standardized basic public services will be incorporated into governance, and a systematic, clearly tiered and well coordinated basic public service standard system will be established across the board.

By 2015, the public will enjoy equitable access to basic public services, the guideline said.