BEIJING, March. 4 -- The central authorities have attached unprecedented importance to proposals put forward by top political advisers, who are now in Beijing to attend the annual plenary session of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

    Nearly 4,500 proposals on economic, political, judicial, scientific, educational, cultural and health issues have been submitted since last March, and nearly all of them have been handled, according to a work report made by Luo Haocai, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

    Many proposals complained that the government did not inject sufficient investment into rural compulsory education.

    In the past, operation of many primary and junior middle schools had to depend on tuition fees collected among students.

    Due to this, some schools lacked sufficient financial support. Many rural students quit their studies due to an inability to pay fees.

    In response to proposals from advisers, the Ministry of Finance moved investment in rural compulsory education to the top of its work agenda last year.

    In December last year, the State Council or the central government approved a plan submitted by the ministry.

    Starting from this year, the government will cover all expenses of primary and junior middle schools in the countryside.