The province is known for abundant coal deposits. However, the coal industry brings with it not only easy cash but also pollution and other problems.

The move towards breaking the shackles on minds liberation took root after the 17th CPC National Congress in October last year charted the road map for China's development in the coming years. Hu Jintao told the congress "emancipating the mind is a magic instrument for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics".

A story in the Hong Kong-based newspaper Sing Tao Jih Pao noticed the historic meaning of this round of emancipation of thoughts, saying the latest development could "mean a turning point for China's social development."

The year of 2008 will mark the 30th anniversary of the opening up and reform drive, as late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping called for the emancipation of the mind at the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC that introduced a series of important decisions on reform and is widely regarded as a turning point in the history of the CPC and New China since its founding in 1949.

China's progress over the past three decades could not be overestimated. However, after years of rapid development the country faces bottlenecks such as pollution, resources shortages and the dilemma of which should be given precedence - society or the economy.

Domestic and international observers said the Chinese leadership recognized these problems were quite serious and the solution was to break the shackles on the mind and pursue scientific development

However, the campaign to emancipate the mind is not on an easy path, said Chi Fulin, CPPCC National Committee member and executive president of the China Institute for Reform and Development.

"Vested interests have emerged since the launch of the opening up and reform drive. They would defend their interests and seek to maintain the existing system, posing a major threat to the campaign," Chi said.

"Whether the CPC's theories and policies are correct and whether people have an understanding in concert are decisively important for socialism with Chinese characteristics," said Li Junru, CPPCC National Committee member and vice president of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

"The campaign of emancipating the mind is aimed at the country's scientific development," said Prof. Ye Duchu of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

The 17th CPC congress incorporated the scientific outlook on development into the Party constitution, which observers said was a move to unify people's minds on the subject of development.

(Xinhua News Agency March 15, 2008)