China's first ever central government-sponsored hearing on setting
prices of railway tickets opened here Saturday, bringing opposition
to price gouging that led the Ministry of Railways to re-think its
practices.
"The hearing shows Chinese government's decision to implement
policy abiding by laws and let public participate in
price-setting," said Qi Hong, a customer representative.
The public hearing on price setting was organized by the
State Development Planning Commission (SDPC).
Thirty-three delegates representing the customers, railway
employees, government officials and scholars participated in the
hearing, discussing the pros and cons of the price-setting by the
government on passenger trains.
According to related laws, representatives raise questions, discuss
and debate the price-adjusting guidelines by the Ministry of
Railways. Over 100 journalists from home and abroad witnessed the
historical event. The latter part of the hearing was broadcastby
television nationwide.
The 12 customer representatives engaged in active discussions on
the feasibility and correctness of price hikes from economic,
social, and ethical perspectives.
"The representatives were quite critical at the meeting," said Dong
Jingsheng, vice secretary of China's Consumers Association.
"We were not surprised at those questions. It is people's right to
ask about the prices set by the government. It is an unprecedented
chance between the government and the public to communicate," said
Yu Chuan, official with the Ministry.
China has formed the Price Law and the interim regulations of
hearings on government decisions on prices since the price
hearingwas first carried out in 1993.
Nine procedures were included in Saturday's meeting. Most
representatives believed the Ministry of Railways should improve
management and service. Representatives from the Ministry said
thehearing had a significant impact on the transportation
department.
After the hearing, SDPC will revise the price guidelines and hand
them over to the State Council for examination and approval.
"The form of a hearing is quite new. Although it differs from the
French form, they have the same purpose, involving common people in
the decision-making process of the government. The hearing
demonstrates fairness and democracy in China," said Philippe
Rochot, a correspondent from French 2 Television.
"The hearing indicates the success of China's democracy and legal
system," said Wang Yang, vice minister of SDPC.
(Xinhua News
Agency January 12, 2002)