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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang harshly criticized the country's excessive regulation and red tape on Wednesday, ridiculing an instance when a citizen was even asked to prove "your mother is your mother" when seeking a government permit.

Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a seminar attended by economists and corporate leaders on Tuesday, Beijing, April 14, 2015. [Photo / Xinhua]

"How ridiculous! The citizen only intended to go travelling abroad and take a vacation," Li was quoted as saying Wednesday at a State Council executive meeting, on the cabinet's website. "I wonder whether these government departments are caring for the public or intentionally obstructing them."

Li was referring to the experience of a Beijing resident surnamed Chen, who struck a chord on the Internet when he in April posted his encounter online.

Further demonstrating his point, Li cited another story in which a model worker from the southernmost province of Hainan had to acquire eight stamps from the government before attending a high-level event in Beijing. Only after a senior official from the provincial government stepped in was he successful.

"Why is it so hard for the public to obtain certificates from the government? Why do government departments set so many barriers for ordinary citizens?" Li asked.

He said that after two years of simplifying administrative procedures and delegating power to lower levels, there is still a large gap between actual results and people's expectations.

This is not the first time Li vented his lack of satisfaction with government bureaucracy. Li in April lambasted officials for time-consuming, redundant procedures in implementing central policies. He also criticized state-owned banks for not cooperating with efforts to boost economic growth during an inspection trip in northeast Jilin Province.

Li's remarks have been widely welcomed by Chinese netizens, many of whom said they have encountered similar cumbersome requests in the past. Here are some examples cited by netizens and past news reports.

Proof of morality and behavior

Regulations issued by the government of Henan province require candidates for part-time lawyer positions to provide written proof of their "good morality and behavior".

Proof of tearing up banknotes

In 2014, the granddaughter of 57-year-old Zhang An accidentally tore up some banknotes when she was playing. When Zhang went to the bank to exchange the torn notes for complete ones, he was asked to prove the notes were torn by his granddaughter.

Agreement of voluntary abortion

Before receiving an abortion, some women said hospitals requested they prove that the abortions were approved by the local government's subdistrict office.

Proof of being single

A certificate to prove one's single status is frequently required in the transfer of real estate ownership, a bank loan application and education.

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