China sends inspectors to check local anti-bureaucracy efforts

The State Council, China's cabinet, said Monday that it had sent inspection teams to Beijing and nine provinces to examine the implementation of anti-bureaucracy policies.

The inspection will focus on local efforts to streamline administration and delegate power to lower levels, advance institutional reform in business, improve operational and post-operational oversight, make lists of powers and responsibilities and optimize government services.

Inspectors will listen to the opinions and suggestions of government staff at administrative approval halls, people in those halls, small businesses and researchers from colleges and institutions, the State Council said.

The teams will urge local governments to rectify problems detected and hold accountable those who are perfunctory, delay reforms or fail to rectify the problems.

Based on problems and suggestions from the local inspections, the State Council will soon begin inspections of its own ministries and departments.

To balance government-market relations, the government has put great emphasis on streamlining administration, delegating powers and improving regulations and services.

In 2016 alone, the government canceled 165 items for review, overhauled and standardized 192 items of intermediary services for government review, and removed 220 items of approvals and accreditations for professional qualifications. Endi