Source: CCTV.com
10-12-2006 14:13
Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has concluded a major policy making meeting. The committee's 6th plenary session elevated social harmony to a more prominent position on the national agenda.
Every year for the past two decades, October has been when the CPC Central Committee develops macro-level economic policies and political platforms.
This year, the focus broadened to include social development.
The 4-day meeting advocated the idea of constructing a harmonious socialist society.
And steps have already been taken toward this end.
The last plenary session issued a series of edicts that have already benefited underprivileged groups. Such as more protection for immigrant workers, and free education for rural schoolchildren.
Xie Renshou, scholar of Guangdong Party School, said: "The construction of a harmonious society hinges on the coordination of people's interests. It's the core task."
The distribution of wealth hasn't been equal for every Chinese citizen. While China has seen the fastest growth in the global economy, the gap between urban and rural earnings has also widened quickly.
Han Rui, scholar of Guangdong Party School, said: "There's an indicator of the gap--the Gini Index. The Gini is high in China, if we compare it with some others, more stable countries. If it gets out of control, it could lead to social unrest."
The country faces a long road ahead, as it strives to control the income gap.
But the idea of a harmonious society is slated to become one of the CPC's basic tenets at the national congress in a year, showing determination for this long-term endeavor.
Some economists say it's inevitable that there are inequities in such a fast growing market economy as China. But now that the government has resolutely decided to correct this... some fear the market may lose some of its energy. But China's top leaders at this plenary session have made up their mind. And everybody agrees the challenge now becomes how the policy will be executed.
Editor:Wang Ping
