A senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official has called on rural local governments to improve basic infrastructure and welfare to maintain social stability.

"In rural areas, governments need to solve problems such as road construction, drinking water, healthcare and education while trying to increase incomes," said Luo Gan, the top CPC law and order official, during a tour of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

"In urban areas, the government should pay more attention to low-wage earners and focus on issues like the reemployment of laid-off workers, social welfare and medical insurance," he said.

He urged law enforcement officers to remember they worked for the people, saying law enforcement bodies needed to establish an effective supervisory system to prevent abuse of power and maintain social justice.

"Only when people live better lives can the country enjoy sustainable economic development and a stable and harmonious social environment," said Luo, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CPC.

Luo toured companies, schools and law enforcement agencies in the province from April 14-15.

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2007)