Zhou and Xu collect senior residents' opinions on the operation of a local activity center for seniors during their field research. XU YU/XINHUA

Better problem-solving

While bridging the gap between deputies and the people, online platforms have also offered deputies a treasure trove of knowledge to enhance their performance and monitor their behaviors.

Every morning when Cao, the NPC deputy from Shandong, exercises, she opens an information platform established by the NPC Standing Committee to learn about the latest national policies and laws, as well as the experiences of other deputies.

"The learning has enriched me and given me a clearer understanding of how to better speak for the people and fulfill my mission as a deputy. It has also made me stronger, enabling me to help people address difficulties more effectively," she said.

Thanks to digital services designated by the Suzhou People's Congress, Jiang has access to a wide range of learning resources and participated in numerous training activities. "Information technology breaks through the limitations of time and space," she said. "With just a mobile phone, I can contact legislative staff, businesses and even government departments right from within my community.

"The digital platform has also made my communication and interaction with other deputies more convenient and frequent. We learn from each other and talk about hot issues, which helps us find better solutions for problems raised by the people," she added.

Both Jiang and Cao are calling for the stronger application of information technology in their duties, as this approach will contribute more to affirming that the people are the masters of the country, Cao said.

With digital services being widely utilized by deputies, they have also enabled the standing committees of people's congresses and government departments to enhance their work efficiency, thereby addressing people's difficulties more efficiently.

Data released by the NPC Standing Committee shows that it received 9,235 suggestions from NPC deputies during the second session of the 14th NPC last year.

"The large number of suggestions reflects deputies' engagement in the country's governance and decision-making," the committee said, adding that the suggestions were forwarded to 213 relevant departments for review and action, with all lawmakers receiving feedback.

To respond to the concerns of NPC deputies in a timely manner, the committee launched an information platform last year for suggestion making, communication, handling, response and feedback.

"The platform makes it easier for deputies to make and track their suggestions, and the streamlined workflow also accelerates the pace of handling suggestions," the committee said.

It added that such quick responses and efficient processes are more conducive to solving people's difficulties and implementing whole-process people's democracy.

Self-improvement

The draft amendment ready to be contemplated by all NPC members is essential for deputies, as it outlines their rights and obligations in the new era, Cao said.

"Improving the law is like updating our work manual. The new version, I believe, will be conducive to invigorating the vitality of China's democratic system, better pooling the wisdom and strength of the people into the country's development, and making policies more in line with the people's interests and more scientific," she added.

Wang said that he is looking forward to the new deputy guidance.

"After summarizing the good practices and experiences of the past decade, the legal document will also draw clearer boundaries for us on what to do, and help us understand the priorities for future work," he said.

"It will also enable us to improve the quality of duty performance and promote whole-process people's democracy."

Jiang emphasized that the people's congress system has provided an important institutional guarantee for the Chinese people, adding that amending the law will optimize the system to uphold the principle that the country is run by the people and for the people.

"I regard the modification of the law this time as an opportunity for self-improvement," she said. "It urges me to enhance my ability to serve the people, broaden my horizons and make up for my own shortcomings.

"I'll continue to contribute to the socioeconomic development of our region, and work toward improving the quality of life of the people."