社会救助从生存兜底走向尊严守护

Core Viewpoint - The draft of the Social Assistance Law is currently under review and public consultation, marking a shift from policy-driven to law-driven social assistance in China, aiming to clarify rights and obligations and ensure sustainable development of the social assistance system [1][4]. Group 1: Social Assistance System - The existing social assistance framework, primarily governed by the "Interim Measures for Social Assistance," is insufficient to meet the increasingly diverse and complex social needs due to economic development and rising living standards [1]. - The draft law expands the definition of beneficiaries to include not only traditional groups like the extremely poor and those on minimum living allowances but also low-income families on the edge of minimum living standards and families facing rigid expenditure difficulties [2][4]. Group 2: Implementation Mechanisms - The draft law mandates the establishment of a "one-stop acceptance and collaborative processing" mechanism at the county level, which aims to reduce repetitive applications and streamline the review process, thereby shortening the time for assistance approval [3]. - It emphasizes the need for improved service capabilities in social assistance, ensuring timely and convenient access for those in need [2][3]. Group 3: Evolution of Social Assistance - The focus of social assistance is shifting from merely ensuring survival to promoting basic security, risk prevention, and development, indicating a more holistic approach to support low-income populations [4]. - The draft encourages a transition from material support to service-oriented assistance, fostering social participation, employment support, and the development of a charitable culture [4].