China has eradicated almost all of the underhanded dealings related to the university enrollment following the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), said Lai Qihua, director of the Supervision Bureau under the Ministry of Education on June 5.

 

"Since the end of the last century, high-tech means have been used to manage enrollment. Now the enrollment can be carried out electronically without the interference of guanxi, or social networks, which ensures openness, fairness and equality," Lai said.

 

He said that strict measures will be taken to make sure that information will be accessible for the public including the enrollment policy, the enrollment plan, the qualification of the examinees, the enrollment information, the public consultation, where to direct complaints, and the results of investigation on wrong doings.

 

In 2005 the ministry introduced a nationwide "Sunshine Program" to root out corruption and ensure transparency in the enrollment process. "Most examinees and their parents are satisfied with the information published by the government and the schools," Lai said.

 

Every year, during the NCEE period, a 24-hour hotline will be set up by the Ministry of Education for enrollment policy inquiries and complaints. In addition, similar hotlines will also be provided by the relative provincial departments, Lai revealed.

 

"The channel to inquire and complain is straightforward, and we have staff specially assigned for the duty," Lai said. "We will handle each issue carefully and quickly."

 

The Ministry of Education announced on its website that strict inspection will be carried out on NCEE sign-up, examination, enrollment, and admission of students.

 

Statistics from the ministry show 10.10 million students applied to enter college this year, of which 5.67 million will be admitted.

 

(China.org.cn by Li Xiaohua, June 6, 2007)