Over the past year, members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) visited cities and trekked countryside to look deep into where efforts are most needed -- before writing proposals and submitting them to help improve the lives of millions.

Zhao Baoxiu, a CPPCC member in the field of the Women's Federation from Beijing, Thursday joined others in stressing the importance of field research.

Organizing inspections and investigating issues that concern the public are important for CPPCC members as they allow them to put forward useful proposals to the government, said Zhao.

"If a CPPCC member does not report on social conditions and popular sentiments accurately, problems will never be resolved," said Zhao.

With members from 34 different sectors of society, the CPPCC has all kinds of experts who maintain extensive contact with people from all walks of life.

"A single CPPCC member's capacity is limited, but he or she can play a bigger role by joining related subcommittees," said CPPCC member Wang Xiaoxun, talking about the important role of the CPPCC National Committee's subcommittees. They have proven to be powerful think-tanks due to the experts who are involved with them.

Moreover, Wang noted that all CPPCC members should constantly improve their ability to perform their duties better through the study of theories, policies and rules related to the CPPCC, as well as gaining knowledge about current affairs, economics, administration, science and other subjects.

CPPCC statistics show that its Standing Committee has organized 23 inspection tours since the first session, in which over 500 CPPCC members carried out investigations across the country, looking into major problems related to reform, development and stability.

For most of the CPPCC members, they have full-time jobs and finding extra time to fulfill their responsibilities is by no means easy.

Yin Dakui, director of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, raised the same issue as he did last year -- after an extra year of research and preparation.

Concerned about Chinese people's nutritional intake, Yin consulted more books, took part in two international nutrition conferences and borrowed material from friends and experts.

"Though the living standards for Chinese people have greatly improved, their nutritional state is becoming steadily worse. It leads to a shortened life," said a worried Yin.

For Luo Ailun, however, being a CPPCC member also means making some sacrifices.

A well-known anesthesia expert at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Luo has had to spend much of her time with patients and undertaking academic research.

But this year, Luo has resigned her post in an academic society and spends more time covering her CPPCC responsibilities.

From the problems she found in her hospital to public safety issues, Luo is planning to make more constructive suggestions to the government.

CPPCC member Fang Liluo, who is an academician with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "To be selected as a CPPCC member is not only an honor, but also requires you to speak aloud for the masses as well as put forward suggestions and advice to the government."

(China Daily March 5, 2004)