Ethnic minorities hold important posts
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-01-05 09:56

HOHHOT: Officials from ethnic minority groups are playing an important role in local political affairs in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local ethnic affairs authorities.

This is shown by their proportion among the whole cadres contingent and also the posts they hold with government departments in the region, said a senior official in charge of affairs related to ethnic groups in the region.

There are currently nearly 190,000 cadres of different ethnic origin, such as Mongolian, Manchu, Hui, Russian, Daur, Ewenki and Oroqen, in Inner Mongolia. This is more than 25 per cent of all cadres in the region, said Baren, director of the Committee of the Ethnic and Foreign Affairs of the regional People's Congress Standing Committee.

The heads of local governments of three autonomous banners (counties), namely Daur, Ewenki and Oroqen, are from ethnic minority groups.

"All this signifies that China's policies for autonomy in regions have been carried out successfully, and that these people enjoy full rights to participate in managing affairs of their own ethnic groups," said Baren.

An ethnic Mongolian, incumbent regional chairman Yang Jing has led all people in Inner Mongolia to develop the regional economy through making full use of local resources. The region has achieved a fast economic growth for two consecutive years, and residents have seen their living standards improve remarkably.

Latest demographic data say the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has an approximate population of 23.79 million, and of them, nearly 5 million are from the different ethnic groups.

Baren attributed the increase in number of ethnic minority officials in the region to the enforcement of China's policies for regional autonomy. A rising awareness of participation in managing regional affairs has also contributed to the situation.

The ethnic minority officials have all received education at various levels.

Over the past 50 years or so, the government has vigorously promoted education in these regions, making primary education available for all children.

A Mongolian-language-based education system has been set up in Inner Mongolia, covering pre-school children and college students.

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