Better public finance

The decision by the State Council on Wednesday to require central government departments to cut spending by 5 percent this year to put aside the saved funds for quake reconstruction sets a good example for local governments and the general public as well.

The decision called on governments at all levels to reduce the number of meetings, the frequency for the use of public vehicles, and of domestic and overseas business trips in order to save money. Tighter control will be exerted on the procurement of public vehicles and the construction of government office buildings.

To be thrifty and to save for the reconstruction of the quake-devastated areas may be one of the practical ways to show sympathy for the survivors of the quake. People in the disaster-hit areas are badly in need of food, water and other daily necessities. Much more money is still needed to enable the homeless there to return to normal life despite of the rise in donations.