(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-07 08:19

The Ministry of Civil Affairs has ordered State-run crematoriums in Sichuan province to waive cremation fees for quake victims and give refunds to those who have already paid, an official said on Friday.

Zhang Shifeng, vice-director in charge of cremation at the ministry, was speaking at a press conference in response to online complaints the fees were too high.

"We noted people's complaints and media criticism, and spoke to local civil affairs departments and crematoriums," he said

In the days immediately after the quake, the government had no time to draft a new policy, as its priority was saving lives, he said.

"Between May 13 and 15, crematoriums in Sichuan followed standard practice. After May 15, the ministry asked them to record the fees but not charge the victims' families," Zhang said.

"The crematoriums also then began to refund fees they had charged."

Urns for the ashes of the deceased were provided free of charge, he said.

While there is no charge for the basic cremation service, if people want extra services, they have to pay the difference, Zhang said.

"We needed time to adjust our policy, as everything happened so fast.

Xinhua

(China Daily 06/07/2008 page3)