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Letters and Blogs
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-08-14 07:44 Law should be equal for all To encourage college graduates to start a business, the local authority of Xindu district in Chengdu, Sichuan province, has initiated a new administrative warning system. It stipulates that slight violations of the law by enterprises established by new college graduates will be immune to economic penalties as long as no serious social aftermath is made. This news has brought forth different arguments from various media. First of all, the original intention of the local authority to help new graduates, who are disadvantaged in fund-raising, technology and social connections, deserves our appreciation. The concrete measure, however, needs to be carefully examined since it might contradict with the basic principle of law. Obviously, the administrative measure, which may lead to an unequal business-starting environment, has usurped the authority of law. Actually, there are lots of things the local authorities can do to help graduates, such as supplying guidance, social resources and bank credit during their initial operation periods. Though business initiation is an arduous choice full of risks and challenges, college graduates should tap their own talent and knowledge to overcome them rather than being sheltered by governments' preferential measures, which can do more harm to society if implemented. The policymakers at various levels should bear in mind that policies aimed at promoting economic development and employment should be made in accordance with the law. Only then would they be in line with the basic requirement of establishing a market economy. Liu Qihui http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_60ed588b0100erkk.html?tj=1 Higher water prices are here to stay In "Full explanation for cost hike needed", China Youth Daily asks why water charges have been raised in many Chinese cities. The paper points out that water administration officials have lavishly wasted public money, and then imposed higher levies. Though feckless officials should always be questioned for extravagant expenses, higher water fee should nevertheless be enthusiastically greeted. According to a World Bank report, China only has per capita water resource of 2,700 cubic m per annum, which is one fourth of the world's average. With so little water, China will be locked in a constant struggle to meet its needs. The situation is so desperate that no matter what size or quality of water projects it undertakes, the nation will be in a permanent water crisis. One such project is the $62 billion South-to-North Water Diversion Project, which will take four decades to complete. The price of water in China is very low compared to many parts of the world. Cheap water promotes excessive and wasteful usage. Officials should consider raising the price of water everywhere in China so that consumption can be kept low and efficient, thereby ensuring a stable supply of water for the future. Kai Xue via e-mail (China Daily 08/14/2009 page8) |
