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)