Building up govt capacity at the grassroots

In his government work report at the third session of the 11th National People's Congress in March, Premier Wen Jiabao said:

"Over the past year, new progress was made in government self-reform and self-development. To deal with difficulties of all kinds, we paid particular attention to promoting democracy, listening to the opinions of the masses and protecting their interests. Our civil servants are devoted, diligent and responsible. They made positive contributions to sustain economic growth, ensure people's well-being and maintain stability. Nevertheless, the transformation of government functions is incomplete; there is too much government interference in the micro-economy and public administration, and services are relatively weak."

The construction of the new socialist village is part of national policy. The rural grassroots system of governance and leadership is the indispensable part of this policy. If governance systems and structures are not in place and not in line with national policy, they will become a stumbling block in the construction of the new socialist village.