Guangzhou Daily reported today that from now on, any alteration to the pricing mechanism for public services must be reported to Guangzhou's People's Congress (CPC) Standing Committee for approval.
This move was implemented on January 1st 2010 and is aimed at pushing for democracy in Guangzhou on significant governmental decisions. The new regulation also clarifies the concept of "major governmental programs," which are closely connected with long-lasting and essential benefits and concerns of the whole society. It includes the overall planning of the city and land, environmental protection, relocation, the pricing of public services and education, as well as the social pension management. The controversial issues such as protecting the Pearl River, the BRT, traffic jams, air pollution and Panyu's new waste Incinerator shall now be dealt with by the CPC Standing Committee rather than the government itself.
In China, the CPC standing committee has four functions: legislation, decision making, supervision and patronage. Any disputed decision by the municipal government can be brought to the committee by the citizens.
This move was implemented on January 1st 2010 and is aimed at pushing for democracy in Guangzhou on significant governmental decisions. The new regulation also clarifies the concept of "major governmental programs," which are closely connected with long-lasting and essential benefits and concerns of the whole society. It includes the overall planning of the city and land, environmental protection, relocation, the pricing of public services and education, as well as the social pension management. The controversial issues such as protecting the Pearl River, the BRT, traffic jams, air pollution and Panyu's new waste Incinerator shall now be dealt with by the CPC Standing Committee rather than the government itself.
In China, the CPC standing committee has four functions: legislation, decision making, supervision and patronage. Any disputed decision by the municipal government can be brought to the committee by the citizens.
