Harder line taken in quest for efficiency

The State Council pledged on Wednesday tougher punishment for officials who have failed to streamline government powers to improve efficiency.

The move is the latest attempt to compel officials to better fulfill their duties in what is a priority mission for the central government.

The council asked higher-level government agencies to delegate more powers, especially those in crucial sectors or closely related to business operations, to lower-level authorities to improve business efficiency and help economic growth.