As an ordinary worker and a deputy to the National People's Congress, Yu Mingji knows that it is essential to conduct grassroots investigations and research to understand people's concerns.
"A deputy to the NPC works for the people. It is not just an honor, but a heavy responsibility," said Yu, a member of the Korean ethnic group who attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. She is the technical director of Hengxin Construction and Installation Co Ltd in Wangqing county, Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture in Jilin province.
Yu said she focuses on people's livelihood concerns, such as the development of voluntary services, childcare services during holidays, and the local ginseng planting industry.
She suggested improving the mechanism of the volunteer service points management platform, which quantifies volunteer service hours, service quality and public evaluation into points, with clear point exchange standards. Points can be redeemed for daily necessities and public service benefits, including discounted or free scenic spot tickets.
To attract more social forces in voluntary services, she suggested adopting incentive policies, such as purchasing accident insurance for volunteers and providing free skills training.
While some regions have introduced snow holidays and spring and autumn holidays for primary and secondary school students, she noticed that difficulties in childcare for parents have become a prominent challenge.
Yu suggested integrating childcare services with local resources. For example, during snow holidays, schools and communities can work with ice and snow sports venues and coaches to offer public welfare skiing classes. During spring and autumn holidays, activities can be centered on themes such as study tours and agricultural experiences.
"We can encourage government agencies, enterprises and public institutions to explore flexible working systems and staggered shifts, allowing parents to take time off in lieu during their children's holidays. For dual-income families, we can consider introducing short-term childcare leave," she said.
