BIZCHINA> Center
|
BIZCHINA> Center
|
|
Bridging urban-rural gap is 'historic task'
By Xie Chuanjiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-04 06:54 From time to time the lawful rights and interests of rural residents are infringed, with farmers often unable to get due compensation in cases of government land acquisition. "There has been frequent disputes over land acquisitions in recent years," Zhu added. Most participating officials and experts blamed the different policies applied to urban and rural areas. Hui said this twin-track approach had been the largest obstacle hindering balanced development. For example, many aspects of the social security system are beyond the reach of rural residents. This is based on the old assumption that, by being so close to the land and having ready access to food, rural residents can more easily take care of themselves. This argument is less convincing today given the far higher costs rural residents face for education and medical services than previous generations. In fact, with the development of the rural economy in China, the function of "land security" has been weakened and has hindered the further development of the rural economy. The reform of rural land use, the household registration system and rural financial system should be given priority in integrating urban and rural development, said top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin. "It is a historic task to balance urban and rural development and promote the integration of the urban and rural economies," Jia told the conference. Jia, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, added that goals such as increasing rural incomes and promoting agricultural efficiency should be incorporated into the country's overall plans for economic development. Renowned economist Li Yining called for various reforms in rural land use. "We should change the current housing management system and enable farmers to mortgage the property to raise funds", which will give a great boost to the development of rural financial services, Li said. With regard to farmers' housing, further legislation is needed to recognize their property rights, he added. CPPCC Standing Committee member Li Deshui further suggested more flexible management of agricultural land. (For more biz stories, please visit Industries)
|
