Who to blame for lack of funds?
According to a recent media report, grassroots governments across the country are complaining that almost all the revenue is channeled to the higher administrative bodies and local governments find it difficult to meet their expenses. But the local governments should also share the blame for that, says an article on Xinhuanet.com. Excerpts:
A recent media report says some local governments are complaining of shortage of funds because most of the revenue goes to higher administrative bodies. The report, prepared on the basis of a number of field researches, also says that the local governments are right.
Although some grassroots governments do lack funds, we should look into the reasons that have created such a situation.
First, it is common practice for government officials to waste public money on lavish banquets. And they use a lot of excuses for doing so. One of the most oft cited excuses is that they are entertaining superiors during inspection and other tours.
Second, many government departments are overstaffed. In some poor areas, government officials host as many people for dinner as those in regions with sufficient revenue.
Third, some local governments depend on the financial support of the central government, without trying to earn some revenue on their own. Most officials have a negative outlook toward their jobs, and not many have tried to really change the lot of the poor. Moreover, the misuse of official cars and construction of magnificent office buildings also drain public funds.
Lack of public funds may be a problem for some local governments, but they also have to share the blame for that.
(China Daily 11/27/2009 page9)
