Recently the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Civil Affairs issued joint guidelines on funeral services. Local governments will decide the fees for the basic service based on the costs to funeral homes and the subsidies they receive from the government, funeral homes will be able to set the fees for optional services under proposed government guidelines, says an article in Qilu Evening News. Excerpts:

The reason why funeral services have received so much criticism from the public is not just for the profits they make, but also because it is immoral to profit to such an extent on grief.

It is known to all that the government has set a price for the basic funeral service and it is even free in some places, but despite this it has proved hard to eradicate the quick-profit mentality of the industry, the key to which is the extended service. Though people can enjoy a favorable price for the extended service, it still doesn't offset the overcharging.

Knowing what the problem is does not necessarily mean we can solve it, as the government prices are not necessarily reasonable prices.

According to the joint guidelines, the price of the basic funeral service should be set by local governments bearing in mind a non-profit principle and after considering the financial subsidies and an investigation of the costs.

But this seemingly conscientious regulation has in fact omitted the most crucial part, which is to consult the public and invite them to participate in the price-setting process. The prices of funeral services are undoubtedly an issue concerning the public and it is obvious that a public hearing should be held before setting any prices.

(China Daily 03/29/2012 page9)