Yang Shanhong, NPC deputy and head of the Office of the Education Supervision Committee of the Anhui Provincial People's Government:

The goal of “40%” reflects China’s dedication to further increase investment in compulsory education. In recent years, a more sophisticated system has been set up for student financial aid to cover their years of compulsory education, and supports a variety of vulnerable groups, including children from poor families, disabled children, rural children who move to urban areas with their migrant-worker parents, and children who remain in rural regions while their parents leave to work in urban areas. An effective mechanism has been built to precisely target students who need help, and ensure sufficient supply of funds. During the outbreak of COVID-19, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance made concerted efforts to ensure timely provision of financial aid to eligible students, which not only helps to promote education equality but also lays solid foundation for poverty alleviation.