Local officials neglect duties, premier says

Premier Li Keqiang has asked local government officials to sign a written pledge to carry out major economic and social policies faithfully, saying that dereliction of duty has set back central government economic growth measures.

Li said large projects and investment plans were not completed well at local level last year, especially in the agriculture and water conservation industries, although the central government had approved projects and allocated funding and land.

"How come? The problem originates from the mental outlook of some officials who failed to take their share of the responsibility that they are paid to, "Li said at a meeting on clean governance on Monday.