Ministry publishes annual budget to address public concerns

Xinhua, April 15, 2011

China's Ministry of Science and Technology published its annual budget for 2011 on Thursday, with detailed explanations to address public concerns on such issues as government spending on official trips and use of official cars.

The government would channel more than 23.7 billion yuan (3.63 billion U.S. dollars) to the ministry, an increase of nearly 19 percent over the previous year, according to the budget. The increased amount will be used to support national scientific and technological programs.

The ministry plans to spend about 40.2 million yuan on overseas trips, purchasing and operation of cars and official receptions in 2011, according to the budget.

The publication of such information is believed to be in response to the central government's call to keep the public informed about how public funds are spent.

Many Chinese have accused government agencies and officials of deliberately omitting information regarding their extravagant spending of public funds on receptions, official cars, or other personal expenses.

The ministry also plans to spend more than 91.5 million yuan on its foreign exchanges in 2011, registering an increase of more than 49 percent since last year.

The increased expenditure, which amounts to more than 30.2 million yuan, will be used to run its overseas offices, increase aids to foreign countries, pay membership dues and contribute donations to international organizations, according to the budget.