国内英语新闻:Chinese Premier solicits grassroots opinions on gov't work during visit to central China

BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on the public to give suggestions on the government work during his visit to central China's Henan Province on Friday and Saturday.

Wen visited urban communities and villages in Henan to hear citizens' voices, to prepare for the Report on the Work of the Government, which he will deliver at the National People's Congress in March.

He made his first stop at a renovated shanty-town in the city of Hebi, an industrial city reliant on coal mining.

Wen visited the family of Song Helian, a factory worker who has just moved from a 50-square-meter room to a three-bedroom apartment.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R, front), who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attends a symposium in Hebi, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 21, 2011. Wen Jiabao visited urban communities and villages in Henan on Jan. 21 and 22 to hear citizens' voices, to prepare for the Report on the Work of the Government, which he will deliver at the National People's Congress in March.

He told local cadres the renovation of shantytowns has a direct bearing on people's livelihoods and must be carried out successfully.

During his meeting with residents of a community, Wen told them, "The job of the government is to serve the people and to secure a better life for the people. You are in the best position to criticize the government's work report and the next five-year plan."

The residents and Wen talked about recent price rises, medical insurance and employment for laid-off workers among other things.

During a visit to a village, Wen met with villagers and stressed the importance of agricultural technology.

Wen also called for greater efforts to improve rural health facilities.