China's reform of the managerial system of higher learning institutions has been basically completed, according to a State Council report on the strategy of developing the country by science, technology and education.
The report was delivered to the current 17th session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).
Some 250 new universities have been set up by merging 612 higher learning bodies, while 400 universities that used to be directly subordinate to ministries have been brought under the joint administration by the central and local governments, with local governments playing the main role.
Localities have made experiments in running universities on a cooperative basis. University zones have been set up in some areas.
Many colleges have opened up their labs or jointly built their logistical departments to optimize the use of resources.
The reform, which took eight years, has been proceeding smoothly. The reform will pave the way for the further development of the country's higher learning sector in the 21st century.
(People's Daily)
