BEIJING, July 14 -- Senior official Liu Yunshan on Monday urged the selection of more excellent young officials who have worked and withstood the tests of areas with harsh conditions.

Young cadres should be sent to grassroots communities and harsh environments to "undergo winds and rains" and enrich their life experience, Liu said at a work meeting on official selection.

Liu said practice in difficult conditions could help young officials "strengthen their roots deep in soil" and improve their abilities in various urgent and difficult tasks.

It will also make them keep in close touch with the public, according to Liu, a Standing Committee member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau.

Good officials are formed by supervision and management as well as education and nurturing, said Liu, adding that management must be stern, as mercy doesn't work in nurturing officials.

Liu also called for selecting more officials from young leaders in enterprises, colleges and scientific research institutes.

He vowed harsh punishment for violations in official election or promotion, such as nepotism, "buying or selling government positions," illegal canvassing or bribery.