Generally this initiative is positive and indicates a change of thinking from official bureaucracy.

Chun Hua (Modern Express): The Yunnan officials are perhaps buying truth, by getting a certain number of people motivated to participate in social affairs. Before this, some local governments were often slammed for negligence on involving public opinion in policymaking. They often seek Western solutions to their problems, but usually forget that local minds can sometimes provide better remedies as they are closest to the actual situation.

Yu Yashi (Changjiang Times): Not all proposals deserve praise or reward. The launch of this prize is aimed at encouraging more valuable and novel ideas.

As we know, scientists that make great contributions are awarded honorable scholarships. Likewise, innovative proposals that can help promote social development should also be rewarded.

Free expression needs no reward

Cao Lin (Changjiang Times): It is a natural right for citizens to supervise government work and give opinions toward policymaking. If given money to do so, it lowers the value of suggestions. As democratic awareness increases, common people are more willing to be involved in governance to help establish a more efficient system. A single prize cannot fundamentally breed democracy and mobilize the public to get involved.

On the contrary, a shrinking role and less interference by the government in public opinion could encourage freedom of expression, as the public has more room in which to comment. Honest people may feel uncomfortable with a prize sponsored by the local government. It implies that without the government's role, doubts over the legitimacy of public comments might arise.

Lai Dongcai (Hubei Daily): As a result of this prize, democracy is degraded, while the incentive mechanism is abused. In fact, a huge amount of true words and good proposals can be found on bulletin boards on the Internet, if officials really care to look.

The value of these good ideas can only be realized when they are adopted. In this case, civilians will be more encouraged if their voices could be heard, and their ideas could be really used by decision-makers. Otherwise, whatever the prize is, it becomes worthless.

Yin Guoan (Guangzhou Daily): True words spoken by the people are blocked by lies or the hollow promises of a handful of local officials. That is why officials at a higher level are now offering money to encourage people to speak the truth. It is ridiculous for us to buy truth. If officials really want the truth, they can very easily find it by paying more frequent visits to local households and taking trips into countryside villages. Another option, of course, is to punish those who tell lies.

Shu Shengxiang (Modern Express): Citizens, who should be the masters of the country, are paying for their "servants," who are the officials, to hear them.

China is a developing country, and this includes in terms of public awareness. And to foster democratic awareness should begin with removal of various invisible restrictions that hamper free expression. How much people dare to say, or speak the truth, symbolizes to what extent social democracy has developed in a country. Freedom of expression can never be gained or blocked by offering prizes. What the process may actually do is to cover up the truth.