Human progress tops both sessions

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, March 15, 2004

Human progress tops both sessions

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CHINESE

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The just concluded sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) showed that the new leadership's working style is winning wider public approval and acceptance within the country's top legislative and political advisory bodies.

There were important and urgent topics such as the amendment to the current Constitution at the sessions.

The amendment represents a fundamental breakthrough in the country's fundamental law.

For example, the constitutional pledge to protect private property is not only a legal remedy for the old discrimination against the private economic sector, but a significant development for the country's economic advancement, as well as for the basic rights and interests of every individual citizen.

In addition, for the first time in history, the amendment outlines in legal terms the State's specific overarching promise to protect human rights.

While numerous articles in the country's legislation protect human rights in one way or another, making it a constitutional commitment means a lot more. No law or government decree can transgress a constitutional principle. It is, at the same time, a constitutional obligation the government has to fulfill.

The Chinese Communist Party's proposal of the amendment was endorsed with overwhelming approval by the NPC and CPPCC, and drew warm applause from the wider public.

The leadership's dedication to the well-being of the underprivileged and under-represented has cultivated the rightful belief that the government is working seriously for the well-being of the people in general. In particular, making real efforts to help farmers earn more, sharing greater benefits from the country's reforms and opening policy, were hot topics during both sessions.

From the work report Premier Wen Jiabao delivered on behalf of his cabinet, relatively shorter but tailored well to society's current concerns, many have observed a brand-new political culture in the making.

NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members assured us that they, too, preferred to be trouble-shooters and translate high-sounding rhetoric into substantial and helpful actions that directly affect people's interests.

Both the NPC and CPPCC National Committee received a record number of motions and proposals at their just concluded sessions. Altogether, more than 5,000 bills and proposals - many based firmly on original surveys and investigations - are truly invaluable sources of wisdom for decision-making.

The leadership has vowed to introduce transparency into decision-making, making the process more democratic and scientific. NPC deputies' and CPPCC National Committee members' increased willingness to share their wisdom is a positive response to that call.

As representatives of public interests, they are the ones to make their constituencies heard.

The agenda and topics of the NPC and CPPCC National Committee sessions, which appeared more relevant to people's daily lives and concerns, brought the bodies closer to the average citizen.

That is why the two sessions have been so well-received by the public.

Source: China Daily

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