In line with China's shift toward developing a more harmonious society, local governments are working hard to pay greater attention to the needs of the people. Recently, the government of southwest China's Yunnan Province launched an initiative to reward the best proposals received from its citizens. In a move aimed to propel economic and social progress and to improve people's livelihoods, the local government will appraise the proposals received and award a top prize of 50,000 yuan ($6,600) to the one they consider most beneficial to the community.

Interestingly enough, the prize itself initially sparked controversy. People said it was just another example of window dressing, saying it would inevitably benefit family members and friends of government officials involved in the proposal review panel, making it one more opportunity for corruption.

Yunnan is not the first province to try this method. As early as 1995, Changsha City in central China's Hunan Province encouraged citizens to make suggestions, offering money as rewards. Later in 1998, the government of Wenzhou City in Zhejiang Province rewarded 11 citizens for their bright ideas.

Those opposing rewards for ideas argue that citizens shouldn't be paid for giving advice. Government officials are obliged to accept public opinion and criticism for immediate action, but every citizen should have a say in policymaking, so being rewarded with money is not necessary.

Incentives may inspire good proposals from civilians, but the effectiveness of these good ideas depends on their implementation. It is not what citizens suggest that matters, but a smooth channel for communication between officials and the public, and an open social environment to grant them a right to voice their opinions.

Tell the truth

Ou Muhua (Dahe Daily): We earnestly expect a bigger role for the public in the current political system. In a society short on democracy and justice, those honest and outspoken people won't be rewarded, but will be hurt by revenge. A free and open social environment, therefore, cannot be achieved. Yunnan's endeavor for seeking the truth reminds us of social justice, and those who speak the truth should be encouraged, rather than suppressed.

Yang Weili (Changjiang Times): In reality, public criticism and suggestions are often ignored or even turned down by bureaucracy. People don't know whom to tell, if they have any complaint or problem. Most of their valuable advice is overlooked by irresponsible officials who turn a blind eye and deaf ear. In some cases, irritated by criticism, officials even take revenge.

Nothing can be perfect, and it is the same with government work. The proposal prize enables officials to gain closer access to public opinion. It would be much easier for us to find solutions to correct mistakes and wrongdoings in governance. Empowering people with a voice shows sincerity and respect of their right to know and be involved, enabling a more transparent government.

Wen Xin (Foshan Daily): This initiative shows that the local government is making progress in their approach to communicate with the people, which inspires the public to participate. Being allowed to openly voice their opinions, more ordinary citizens will be willing to find faults of the government, in addition to the incentive worth 50,000 yuan. This prize, allows people to vent, and shows a growing trust between both sides.