Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki chaired the third meeting of the Steering Committee on District Governance today to discuss the preparatory work on the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and formulate strategies to address district issues of people’s concern.

Mr Chan noted that this year’s National Day is of great significance because it is the first such anniversary after the improvement of governance at the district level and the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

“Bureaus and departments are pressing ahead at full steam with preparations for an array of rich and diverse celebratory activities, with a view to sharing the joy of the National Day with members of the public and strengthening the sense of patriotism in the community.

“We will mobilise the support of different sectors in society to foster a colourful and enthusiastic atmosphere for the National Day.”

On district issues, the steering committee deliberated on further promoting digital inclusion among the elderly, and tasked the Digital Policy Office with setting up community-based help desks and organising digital inclusion activities.

The objective of such measures is to provide senior citizens with necessary digital support and strengthen their interest and capability in adopting digital technologies, so that they can enjoy the benefits of digital services, the Government explained.

In addition, the steering committee formulated an enhanced mechanism to handle some common complaints at the district level. It also followed up on the progress of the seven district initiatives previously identified.

By following the overall strategies set by the steering committee, the Task Force on District Governance, chaired by Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, will continue to co-ordinate bureaus and departments in taking forward district initiatives to raise people’s standard of living with concrete results, and enhance their sense of achievement, satisfaction and security, the Government added.