Invigorating power cuts

Simpler procedure stronger

The Fourth Plenum of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has drawn a blueprint for the rule of law, in which the delegation of power shall be a first step. By cutting unnecessary administrative procedures and delegating certain powers to lower departments, it will better regulate the once powerful government agencies and prevent them from renting out the power in hand.

xinhuanet.com, Nov 6

Simplifying procedures does not mean the government will give up everything; while taking its hands off those fields where the market and society can regulate themselves, the government must be loyal to those areas that are its duty such as defending justice and maintaining social order. A typical example is that some officials turn a blind eye to pollution, claiming that's no longer within their range of responsibilities; such dereliction of duty should be punished.

people.com.cn, Nov 5

While delegating power and simplifying administrative procedures, the reformers need to strengthen supervision of the power of lower branches, too, so that the latter don't abuse their power in hand. A famous quote among urban management officials is that "Our job is to issue fine tickets", and such unreasonable logic can only be altered with their power being shut in cage.

Zhang Zhanbin, professor of Chinese Academy of Governance, China Economic Times, Nov 3

The majority of government agencies' powers are written in laws and regulations; the reformers have done a good move by editing the laws first before asking for them to be implemented. For example, the State Council always submits certain administrative approvals to the National People's Congress first before announcing they will be abolished, which is a good example that follows the rule of law.

qstheory.cn, Oct 30

It is already a common consensus of the whole society that administrative procedures be simplified and power be delegated, but certain local governments and monopoly agencies refuse to implement the reform because they don't want to lose their interests. The central leadership needs firmer determination and stricter measures to propel the reform forward.

Guangxi Daily, Nov 4

                                                                                         (China Daily 11/07/2014 page9)