On October 10th, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the Communist Party of China announced that they will use measures such as big data to identify uninsured individuals and encourage them to participate in social security. This includes supporting flexible workers, migrant workers, and those in new forms of employment to join the pension insurance system. This news has sparked discussions among the public.
Many people have expressed concerns about the proposal, especially in the current economic downturn and challenging job market. They question how they can afford to pay for social security when their lives are already difficult to sustain.
According to Vice Minister Li Zhong of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the aim is to maintain a participation rate of over 95% in basic pension, unemployment, and work injury insurance during the “14th Five-Year Plan” period.
“Liao Kai,” born in the 1970s, shared that he is facing the dilemma of unemployment with elderly parents and children to support, along with a mortgage to pay off. He emphasized that for ordinary people, social security is not seen as a benefit but rather a burden.
He emphasized the immediate need for financial assistance to address current difficulties rather than considering long-term planning. “I’m not oblivious to the future, but when urgent situations arise, one can only focus on immediate benefits,” he said.
“Zhao Liang,” born in the 1980s, mentioned that he has been contributing to social security for 16 years, paying over 1800 RMB per month. He anticipates retiring at 63 and making payments for another 24 years. Despite potentially receiving pension for 10 years after retiring, he has lost trust in the government and is skeptical about the future security it may provide.
He expressed doubts about the benefits of participating in the pension insurance scheme, citing uncertainties about job stability in the coming years as a significant factor contributing to his pessimism.
Unemployed individual “Wang Zhi” revealed that both he and his wife are currently without jobs, which led him to stop paying social security. Facing uncertainty about the future and lack of confidence in the social security system, he questioned the necessity of continuing payments.
In response to the initiative to locate and enroll uninsured individuals into the social security system, Jiangsu resident “Zheng Hua” expressed skepticism. He criticized the government’s motives, suggesting that the system was designed more for the benefit of officials rather than the general public.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the ability of rural residents to afford social security contributions.
“Zhao Lin,” a farmer, shared her observations from visiting impoverished rural areas where residents barely earn 60 RMB a month, making it impossible for them to afford medical and insurance fees. She highlighted the challenges faced by elderly individuals in remote villages, who struggle to make ends meet with minimal financial support.
All individuals interviewed in the article are referred to by pseudonyms.