The Annual Session began Monday morning of March 5th. The primary topic presented by Premier Wen Jiabao was to focus on promoting social harmony in China.

 As China's economy continues to grow, bringing prosperity to many, it also leaves behind many who reside in the rural areas. If the economy continues to grow without sufficient management, this could effectively mean many of those living in rural areas will be priced out of health care, education, housing and more.

In these sessions they discuss several methods in which to help ease the transition for rural citizens into the growing economy and cushioning the harsh effects of the wealth gap on the poor. 

Premier Wen presented a 36-page report that covers the great acheivements of China as well as emerging problems that have not been seriously addressed.

He announced that this year the government will invest heavily in addressing many of these issues.

"This year, we will completely stop collecting tuition and miscellaneous fees from all rural students receiving compulsory education," Wen announced. He added that this policy should ease the financial burdens of 150 million rural families with children in primary and middle schools.

He also announced "a nationwide basic minimum cost of living allowance system" for rural families.

Premier Wen also announced that there are other major measures at work which will help resolve issues related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

The central government plans to invest 201.9 billion yuan towards improving the social security netowrk, a 10.1 billion yuan subsidy from the central budget going towards expanding the coverage of a cooperative medicare system to 80 percent of China's rural areas.

There has also been news of improving the tax collection and management as well as raising taxes for high-income earners. 

"China is suffering the heavy burden left over by the planned economy and all those problems concern social harmony and stability," said Li Dun, a professor with the Research Center on Contemporary China under the Tsinghua University.

Premier Wen's annoucements were well received by lawmakers, garnering applause throughout his speech. 

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