七天之限 (qi tian zhi xian): Seven-day time limit

At an executive meeting of the State Council on April 21, Premier Li Keqiang made clear that documents approved by the executive meeting of the State Council, the Cabinet, have to be issued within seven days unless there are significant amendments to be made or there are special reasons for a delay.

Li's requirement aims to raise the government's work efficiency. The foot-dragging of many departments in releasing documents and implementing policies has long been a problem. Some good policies can hardly be carried out effectively because of such inefficiency. To achieve the goal of improving governance, all authorities and departments should do their bit to make and implement good policies. Good policies must be in accordance with real situations and people's livelihoods and this requires research and feasibility studies.

The efficiency of government authorities and departments is the key to guaranteeing the timeline drawn up for a policy. Every government official should take responsibility for serving the people in their daily work. Only when all the governmental officials have a good working style, can they live up to the expectations of the public.