The public should be given the chance to participate in the decision-making process on key projects, says a signed article in Workers' Daily. An excerpt follows:

Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform recently published its proposed method on notification of government investment in major projects.

According to the commission, all major projects invested by the municipal government should be publicized on the official website for 10 days to solicit public opinions before it gets approved by the commission.

Major construction projects for notification include those which will impact on social and economic development, have great impact on environment and resources, are closely connected with public interests as well as attract much public attention. Those concerning national security and secrets, or those that are forbidden from being publicized by law, are not included.

This method will help the public become aware of the projects and supervise them. But there are a few things to be improved.

First, the 10-day period of notification is too short. The central government has a similar trial document, in which the notification period is 20 working days.

Second, public opinion deserves more respect in the decision-making process. Government investment should be approved by the local People's Congress or its standing committee, as huge amounts of public money will be used. The public has the right to participate in the decision-making process.

Actually, some local governments, such as those of Shenzhen and Zhengzhou, have taken active steps in this direction. The government's decision-making process will be more democratic and scientific when the public has the right to know and supervise.

(China Daily April 3, 2006)