Precision efforts now key to lifting people out of poverty

Children of She ethnic group sit in front of a monument that reads "China's No. 1 Poverty Relief Village" at Chixi Village, Panxi town, Fuding city in East China's Fujian province, Feb 14, 2016. The village has shaken off poverty thanks to assistance from Party and government officials at all levels over the past 30 years. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is in a critical stage as it strives to eradicate extreme poverty by 2020, as part of the central government's goal to build an all-round well-off society in which no one is left behind.

China has made remarkable progress in this respect. Over the past three decades, it has lifted nearly 700 million people out of poverty, or three-quarters of the world's total.

But as Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, pointed out during a meeting on poverty alleviation work on Tuesday, it is now "a daunting task", one that is becoming more and more difficult as it nears the end.

Although a further 10 million people were lifted out of poverty last year, there are still more than 60 million living below the official poverty line.

However, the ways that proved effective in lifting people out of poverty in the past, such as focusing on local economic growth with massive policy and capital support, are now no longer efficacious.

Thus a new way of thinking is imperative because the one-size-fits-all method has ceased to work. That is why Xi reaffirmed the importance of implementing precise actions in the battle against poverty during Tuesday's meeting.

The idea, initiated by Xi himself, aims to make sure that targeted anti-poverty projects, capital and other resources that are suited to the local situation directly benefit those who are really in need, with verifiable results.

To this end, some people living in remote impoverished regions will be relocated, health and education policies will be implemented to help poor families that suffer major or chronic diseases, or have difficulties in providing schooling for their children, and there will be greater fiscal support.

Yet grassroots corruption could compromise such best-intentioned efforts if it goes unchecked. According to the CPC's disciplinary watchdog, violations often include appropriation and embezzlement of anti-poverty funds through cheating or fabrication of the beneficiaries. Half of the nearly 400 corruption cases related to poverty alleviation exposed last year involved less than 100,000 yuan ($14,535) each, yet the destructive effect of such corruption should not be underestimated.

The highest assessment standards should also be applied to evaluate the success of poverty relief work in a bid to determine how useful they are and prevent any fraudulent practices.

Fighting poverty is the fundamental task on the path to building an all-round moderately prosperous society. To achieve that goal, the "solemn promise" to ensure that the rural poor shake off poverty as planned has to be honored by tackling the task with renewed vigor and resolve.