China
Advisors´ proposals to benefit farmers
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Source: CCTV.com | 03-08-2008 09:01
Special Report: 2008 NPC & CPPCC sessionsRural representation remains strong at this year's NPC and CPPCC. Advisors from across the country are brainstorming ways to improve the lives of farmers and promote rural development.
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| Rural representation remains strong at this year's NPC and CPPCC.(CCTV.com) |
"This is the CPPCC Proposal Office. In this binder are proposals concerning farmers, the countryside, and agriculture. It ranks number three on the overall percentage list, right after commerce and finance and welfare. The suggestions are primarily on the construction of a new countryside and the protection of farmers' rights and interests at the age of urbanization."
Two-thirds of China's one point three billion population are farmers. As the country modernizes, rural development is a key topic on the nation's agenda.
Major initiatives have been taken in recent years to expand health, education, and welfare benefits for farmers. And another major concern is their ties to the land.
Zhao Chunwei, Head of CPPCC Proposal Office, said, "Rural issues make up a high percentage of all the proposals we've received. Many suggestions are on land confiscation policies. Compensation for land use has increased over the years, but some members are proposing to finetune the policy to better protect farmers' rights. It's more about the implementation of land confiscation laws."
While the number of rural proposals hasn't risen significantly, the focus is now slightly different.
Zhao Chunwei, Head of CPPCC Proposal Office, said, "There has been an increasing number of modern and technological approaches to agriculture in recent years. It wasn't easy to put certain proposals under a specific category because the content overlaps. Modern agriculture and the construction of a new countryside are prominent."
China's rural program aims to improve the livelihood of people in the countryside. At the same time, it's part of the government's efforts to balance urban and rural development.
Editor:Zhang Pengfei
