以“公益属性”刚性约束管住“天价殡葬”

Core Viewpoint - The revised "Funeral Management Regulations" emphasizes the public welfare nature of the funeral industry, aiming to transform it into a non-profit sector dedicated to promoting social welfare and benefiting the public [1][2]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Changes - The new regulations, effective from March 30, 2026, represent a comprehensive revision of the original regulations established in July 1997, focusing on clarifying management requirements, basic public services, and enhancing regulatory oversight [1]. Public Welfare Emphasis - The regulations explicitly state that the funeral industry should not be a domain for profit-making by a few individuals but should serve the public good, addressing issues such as high funeral costs and monopolistic practices [2]. Implementation Mechanisms - The regulations introduce a detailed system for managing funeral services, categorizing them into basic and non-basic projects, with the government setting prices for basic services to ensure affordability and dignity for all citizens [3]. Governance and Accountability - A clear governance framework is established, delineating responsibilities among various departments such as civil affairs, market regulation, and health, to avoid the previous issues of fragmented management and lack of accountability [3]. Execution and Local Adaptation - The success of the regulations relies on effective execution and the development of localized implementation plans and pricing standards to ensure that the principles of public welfare translate into actionable public services [4].