Chinese farmers' burden was alleviated considerably in 2004. Through reducing agricultural taxes and eliminating special farm produce taxes other than that on tobacco leaves farmers' burden could be reduced by 30.1 billion yuan in 2004. Through special revamp of agriculture-related charges 11.468 billion yuan were taken off the burden on farmers.

The above information was learned during the National Style-rectification Working Meeting. Niu Dun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture said at the meeting that in light of the prominent problems reported by farmers special campaigns will be emphatically launched in three aspects, namely, agricultural production fees and arbitrary charging in operation and service charges, arbitrary charges in rural primary and middle school education, unreasonable charges on farmer workers.

It was also learned that most provinces (regions and cities) in China have implemented the One-Kind Fees system in public schools at the compulsory education stage. The Three Restricts policy in ordinary public schools' recruitment is further put into effect. The Dual-Track system in higher education institutions' recruitment has been curbed to certain extent. Through special campaigns burdens on student in various localities have been reduced by 3.9 billion yuan.

By People's Daily Online