Government efficiency improving across the country

A research report on provincial government efficiency by Beijing Normal University has found the Jiangsu provincial government is the most efficient in China, says an article in China Business News. Excerpts:

Government efficiency is measured by the government's performance in fulfilling certain objectives of governance and administration at the lowest possible cost and using minimal resources. The report indicates that the efficiency of provincial governments' is improving across China. This is good news for society because provincial governments take on considerable responsibilities in providing public services for citizens. Better performances from these authorities can promote economic and social development.

But the lower efficiency of the grassroots administration departments has failed to improve the public's attitude toward governance. There is not a clear distribution of labor among the lower levels of authorities in some places. The decision-making processes of these departments do not have effective supervision. The absence of a strict accountability system only makes the situation worse.

The grassroots administration lacks basic transparency in some places, and there is no constructive communication between local authorities and the people.

The provincial governments should do more to improve good governance in their provinces from mending the problems at the grassroots level first. The sustainable development and human-oriented development cannot be without efficient governments of various levels.