The State Council released a plan on March 1 concerning standardization of uniform public services during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020).

Although China has made great progress in this regard, opportunities and challenges remain with the economic growth slowdown, increase in the aging population, and growing consumption demands. Also, with the fast development of cutting-edge technologies such as big data, internet of things and cloud computing, supply mode of public services will be changing accordingly, said the plan.

It set out a series of goals in detail in eight sectors, which are basic public education, employment and entrepreneurship, social insurance, medical and health services, basic public services, housing security, culture and sports, as well as special care for disabled people.

For example, by 2020, coverage of compulsory education will increase to 95 percent, two percentage points higher than in 2015; the number of new jobs in cities and towns will surpass 50 million; rate of pension insurance and medical insurance will reach 90 percent and 95 percent, respectively, and the government will help renovate 25.85 million houses in both urban and rural areas.

A list covering over 80 items of public services will be established and released to the public. It will clearly illustrate national standards for each item mapped out according to laws and regulations, and different departments in charge. The list will serve as a basis for ordinary citizens to enjoy their basic rights.

To ensure its smooth implementation, a responsibility tracing system will be set up, and leading departments will be evaluated on their performance.