A commentary in People's Daily on January 24 calls on Communist Party organizations and governments at all levels to make the welfare of the Chinese people a top priority.

The commentary quotes President Jiang Zemin as saying that being concerned with the well-being of the masses of the people "is a major task of top priority" of the current work of the Chinese Communist Party and government.

The commentary, entitled "a current task of top priority -- showing real concern for the people's well-being," says that the importance of this issue is derived from the Communist Party's purpose and the socialist system, China's basic national conditions and economic development. As the Chinese lunar New Yeardraws near, the issue becomes ever more urgent.

Since China started to implement the reform and opening-up policy in the late 1970s, the living standards of the Chinese people have improved significantly. The Chinese people are satisfied with all these positive changes.

However, as imbalance still exists in the country's economic development, the living conditions of a certain number of people have not markedly changed, with some still living in poverty. As China undergoes further reforms and restructuring of its economy, there will emerge new problems such as some people being laid off. "At present we must see the encouraging situation as well as some temporary difficulties," the commentary says.

The editorial also warns against extravagance and engaging in corrupt activities during the Spring Festival, and calls on Party organizations and governments at all levels to promote a thrifty and frugal spirit during the festive holidays.