he Ninth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, has received 17,722 proposals from its members across the country, most of which have been dealt with or replied appropriately, a senior CPPCC official said here Monday.

Of the 16,281 proposals which were accepted after due examination, 98.8 percent have so far been properly dealt with or replied," said Zhou Tienong, who, on behalf of the Ninth CPPCC National Committee, delivered a report on the committee's proposal-handling work at the opening meeting of the First Session of the 10th CPPCC National Committee.

The Ninth CPPCC National Committee has a five-year term that expires at this session.

There were 7,235 proposals concerning the country's economic development, 4,617 on promotion of science, education, culture, public health and sports development, as well as 4,429 regarding political and legal affairs, the united front work and other majorissues, said Zhou.

A fter being sorted out, these proposals were forwarded to more than 180 related government departments, which either replied to the proposals in an earnest and meticulous manner or took them as priority references in the decision-making process, he added.

By revealing social problems, conveying public complaints and submitting suggestions in their proposals, he noted, the CPPCC National Committee members have contributed significantly to China's economic growth, political and cultural development and the cause of peaceful reunification of the motherland.

"This has once again amply proved that the submission of proposals is the most direct and effective way for the CPPCC to assist the government in administering the state," Zhou said.

(Xinhua)