Chinese lawmakers today will begin deliberating the draft plan of
ministries reform, a key agendum at the annual session of the National People's
Congress (NPC), China's parliament. It will be the sixth major institutional
restructuring aimed at building an efficient and service-oriented government
since China launched the reform and opening drive three decades ago.
Delivering the government work report to lawmakers last week, Premier Wen
Jiabao said the reform of the administrative system is "an important link in
deepening reform, an important part of the reform of political institutions, and
an essential step in improving the socialist market economy."
The Communist Party of China (CPC) vowed to deepen political restructuring at
its 17th National Congress last October, triggering expectations on what steps
would be taken at the following parliament session.
The CPC Central Committee approved on Feb. 27 a plan on the institutional
restructuring of the State Council, the cabinet, which was submitted to the
ongoing parliament session for deliberation.
The plan had been carefully studied and had solicited opinions from many
sectors of society, sources said.
The move attracted great attention soon after the news about the reform plan
was released.
"Political restructuring, as part of the overall reform, must be deepened
with social and economic development," said Prof. Shu Yang with the Guangdong
Academy of Social Sciences.
Chinese administrative system and institutional structure, which had been
improved over the past 30 years, generally meet the needs of social and economic
development, said Yuan Shuhong, vice president of the National School of
Administration.
However, Yuan said economy and society develop rapidly in recent years and
demand corresponding changes in the institutional structure.
Premier Wen also acknowledged the need for changes in his government work
report.
"We are keenly aware that the work and accomplishments of the government
still fall somewhat short of what circumstances require and the people expect,"
Wen said. "The functions of government have not been completely transformed, and
public administration and public services are still weak."
The NPC annual session started on March 5 and is scheduled to conclude on
March 18, with nearly 3,000 deputies from nationwide to underline state affairs
including the cabinet ministries reform, the election of state leadership,
hearing and deliberating government work report, among others.
