Proposals and suggestions on social security and welfare from NPC deputies and CPPCC members:

Moms-to-be need more support

Women migrant workers should enjoy better social security rights in regard to childbearing.

Due to the high cost of giving birth in the cities where they work, many travel long distances back home to do it.

However, according to a survey released in 2006 by the All-China Women's Federation, less than 7 percent of women migrant workers have childbirth insurance - the lowest rate among the five other social insurances.

Many firms maintain the traditional attitude that childbearing is an individual concern and tend to not consider the welfare these women are entitled to receive.

Proposed by: Chen Saijuan

NPC deputy and director of Shanghai Institute of Hematology.

Incentives for insurers

Insurance companies should be encouraged to participate in the development of a multi-level old-age insurance system. With a growing aging population it is still difficult to provide welfare for the all solely through the basic social system.

In recent years, finance and insurance firms have accumulated a large amount of capital, which, due to policy restrictions, can only be invested in national bonds and in the banking industry. The restrictions are expected to spur development in the welfare industry for the aged, which is still in its early stage of development.

Also, greater participation in the development of the old-age insurance system will effectively enhance insurance firms' competencies and raise awareness of corporate social responsibility.

Greater involvement should be provided to insurance companies through tax reductions, and favorable treatment in land and business operation fees.

Proposed by: Dai Hao

PPCC member and a member of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.