Public anger over "parapolice" reveals city administration dilemma

SEEKING HARMONY

Xu Fei, an IT professional in the Zhongguancun high-tech zone of western Beijing, buys a lunch box at an unlicensed stand close to his office every day.

Food served at the staff canteen of his office building was expensive and unsavory, he said. "A lunch box with rice and two dishes was half the price."

All the street vendors have their specialities, selling fruits, vegetables or sweet potatoes, among others.

Researcher Zhang Yun with the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences said the vendors made an average of 1,500 yuan (200 U.S. dollars) a month, while to lease a stand at a market cost about the same amount.

"It's unlawful to evade taxes, but the problems behind their offenses are how the government should help the unemployed and low-income groups," he said.

Professor Ma Huaide, a specialist on administrative law, said urban administrator's law enforcement must not harm the interests of the people.

"Whether they need to set up a garbage dump or wipeout street vendors, these are all issues concerning the rights and interest of the people," he said.

Policy makers should take into consideration the needs of the people in order to avoid conflicts with law enforcers, he said. ( Xinhua Writer Zhou Yan and Zhang Xianguo )

Editor:Zhang Ning