The first group of members of the country's top advisory body,
the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, have
arrived in capital Beijing for their upcoming annual session slated
for March 3rd. Coming from all walks of life and across the
country, they have brought their new proposals and new hopes for
the country's future development.
Monday, the first day of March, and the start of spring, it is a
good time to make plans for the coming four seasons, for people,
and for the state.
Though having travelled hours on trains or planes from different
parts of the country, the members still seemed fresh and excited
when talking about their proposals for the upcoming annual CPPCC
session and the convening of the country's top lawmaking body, the
National People's Congress.
Shu Anna, from central China's Henan Province, is one of the
earliest members to have arrived at Beijing West Railway
Station.
"This year, I've come here with two proposals. One is about
rural basic education, and the other about strengthening the
government's role in improving migrant workers' lives."
Li Mutang of the Hui ethnic group is from Anhui Province in east
China. Like in last year's session, he again came to Beijing to air
his views and suggestions on ethnic and religious affairs.
"The aim is to reinforce national solidarity and to further
boost economic and educational development among ethnic
minorities."
As how to increase farmers' income becomes one of the hottest
issues this year, Wen Jiating, a township leader also from Anhui
province, has prepared himself to play a part in the
discussion.
"As a CPPCC member from the grass-roots agricultural sector, I
will continue to speak and work for the benefits of farmers."
And following two major public health emergencies in the past
year, namely SARS and bird flu, CPPCC member Liu Rongyu, a doctor
from Anhui, says:
"There has been a lot of discussion about public health network
building. If all the members can sit down together and further
discuss the matter, I believe there should be more and better
proposals that will help improve the public health system."
Her colleague from northeast China's Jilin Province, medical
professor Chi Baorong says she has another hope.
"I hope to see an improved community medi-care system so that
all the ordinary citizens can afford to go to hospital, see a
doctor and buy medicine."
Like always, the CPPCC members see this year's nine-day session
as a platform to express and discuss their suggestions and
criticisms relating to the running of the state and people's
livelihoods.
As important political advisors to the country's legislation,
the members, after checking in at their hotels, have almost
immediately started to warm up for their speeches at the CPPCC
session which will run from this Wednesday until Friday next
week.
(CRI March 2, 2004)
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