Lawmakers call for law on charity activities

BEIJING - Chinese legislators on Friday called for the introduction of a law on charity activities.

A report adopted at the bi-monthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) said introducing legislation on charity activities is urgent and the process should be facilitated.

The report, which was issued by the Internal and Judicial Affairs Committee of the legislature, said the law has been included in the legislation plan of the State Council, or China's Cabinet, for 2012.

It added that the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council is reviewing a draft bill provided by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Legislators proposed in the report that the law should be included in legislation plan of the Standing Committee of 12th NPC.

The 29th session of the Standing Committee of the 11th NPC concluded on Friday.

China's charity organizations suffered a blow last year, with total public donations dropping sharply in the year. Donations to the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) plummeted 59.39 percent year-on-year, according to official reports.

The fall was mainly attributed to an alleged scandal with the RCSC last June, when a woman, who falsely claimed to work for an association affiliated with the organization, posted photographs showcasing her lavish lifestyle online.

This led to speculation that charitable money might have been embezzled to fund her extravagances.

The law is expected to provide a strong legal basis for law enforcement agencies to regulate charity activities.