A total of 67 new laws and regulations, largely aimed at
protecting individuals, came into effect on September 1.
The new legislation, including both national and local laws and
regulations, covers areas ranging from education and medical
services to taxation, drivers' training and occupational
safety.
To ease burdens on families with school-age children, the
Ministry of Education set a cap on rising tuition fees.
Another provision allows university students to defer payments
on their student loans for six years after graduation instead of
four. While they are in school, the students need pay no interest
on the debt.
Beijing has taken steps to protect the welfare of migrant
workers by requiring their employers to provide them with
insurance. Migrant workers are now entitled to the same industrial
accident and medical insurance coverage as other urban workers.
Another regulation concerning work safety issued by the Beijing
municipal government requires employers to report accidents in a
timely manner. Failure to comply may result in fines or other
penalties.
The capital city's environment will be better protected by the
rise in gasoline standards, which are now at the Euro II level.
A new Ministry of Health regulation allows patients to buy
prescription drugs in independent pharmacies as well as in
hospitals. In the past, people had to purchase medication at
hospitals, where prices tend to be higher.
People with credit cards issued by foreign banks can now
withdraw foreign currency directly from ATMs.
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Businesses as well as individuals will benefit from new
regulations. The China
Banking Regulatory Commission has reduced required registered
capital for accounting firms from 300 million yuan to 100 million
yuan. It will also now permit foreign investment companies to
establish accounting firms in China.
(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2004)