NPC deputies do not hesitate to be sharp on gov't work report
Updated 10:58, 28-Jun-2018
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By CGTN's Han Peng

If you have a chance to observe an NPC panel discussion during the two-week session, you may be surprised to find it very interesting, as many deputies do not seem to hesitate in offering tough words and policy critiques.
CGTN followed a panel discussion by deputies from Hangzhou, the eastern Chinese city, that successfully hosted last year's G20 Summit.
The panel was headed by Hangzhou Mayor Zhang Hongming. Deputies were divided into small panel groups according to where they are from. The mayor seemed to agree with the report, but also suggested Hangzhou's status should be elevated because, the mayor argues, some of the city's economic indicators have surpassed the first-tier city of Guangzhou.
Hangzhou Mayor Zhang Hongming / CFP Photo

Hangzhou Mayor Zhang Hongming / CFP Photo

But not everyone is satisfied with the report.
Deputy Shen Qifang, a local university official who specializes in agriculture, criticized the report for not including a key issue under her charge.
"Throughout the government work report, I did not see a single mention about improving education for farmers. I strongly suggest that the final draft includes this issue, not only because we are in dire need of better skilled farmers in order to build a modern agricultural sector, but also because education is their fundamental right," the principal said to the panel.
Hangzhou is the hometown of e-commerce giant, Alibaba, and is a main economic engine driving Chinese innovation and development. Deputies from Hangzhou's business circles have strong opinions about the right path forward for the country.
Alibaba Hang Zhou headquarters / CFP Photo‍

Alibaba Hang Zhou headquarters / CFP Photo‍

"The Premier's work report said taxes in all industries are going down, but we have seen just the opposite happen in the electric vehicle sector," Deputy Zhang Tianren, President of Tianneng Energy Group said. He added, "Since we are still investing heavily in research and development of better batteries, our profits are only around 3 percent, but last year taxes rose by over 4 percent."
During the NPC session, deputies have the right to speak freely without fear of backlash, and many don't hesitate to criticize the policies they don't like.
Last year, the government made 61 changes to their initial draft after two weeks of deliberation. One such addition was the protection of intellectual property rights.
NPC deputies come from all walks of life and they all offer constructive suggestions based on their unique perspectives.
Deputy Yu Chun is a retired Hangzhou bus driver. She said that in Hangzhou, bus riders no longer need to pay in cash. They can simply scan a QR code on their mobile phone. "It's very convenient, and I suggest we expand mobile payment to other places and businesses quickly, and eventually build up a society in which people no longer need to bring cash wherever they go," Yu said.
In the next two weeks, these deputies will try their best to get their opinions written into the final draft of the government's work report, and 3,000 deputies cast their vote on March 15. The NPC has never rejected a government work report, but some say the number of dissenting votes still places pressure on authorities, as it indicates people's dissatisfaction.