Zhuo Changli, chairperson of Shandong Sunshine Sisters Group, has been dedicated to the development of China's housekeeping industry for more than 20 years. She is also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). During this year's NPC session, she suggested vouchers, or consumption subsidies, be provided to families when they pay for caring services for elderly people and/or children.

The housekeeping industry is an important sector, especially for tapping into the potential of basic consumption, and the development of the sector will boost the growth of many other industries, Zhuo has said. During the past year, Zhuo visited more than 200 families, communities and elderly and child-care service agencies. She said she quickly realized many families have the demand for elderly and child-care services, and paying for such services may add financial burdens to many of the families.

"If the policy of providing consumption subsidies for elderly and child-care services is implemented, families that pay for such services will receive special subsidies. The policy will better meet the public's demands," Zhuo says. 

In her proposal, Zhuo suggested that the government provide discount vouchers (10-20 percent) or subsidies for consumption of elderly and child-care services (at home or professional agencies) to ease the burdens on families and to boost consumption. The procedure for granting the subsidies should be strictly managed, and the amount and coverage of the subsidies should be adjusted dynamically, she suggested. 

Zhuo hopes she will help more elderly people enjoy their lives, and also help more children grow up healthily. She also expects the housekeeping industry will continue to develop and create jobs.

Zhuo's proposal also included elderly and patient-care expenses as deductions for individual income tax. She also proposed promoting the digitalization of the national housekeeping industry.

Photos from interviewee

(Women of China)

Editor: Lei Yang