The State Council canceled non-administrative approval items as it eradicated 49 and brought 84 under direct government approval.

The decision, released on the government website on May 14, requires regions and departments to implement and strengthen supervision as well as enhance management standards.

Departments involved in the approval process should regulate them clearly, clarify the government’s exact powers, scope, conditions, procedures and processing period, said the document, adding administrative procedures should be streamlined to upgrade efficiency.

The approval items to be processed by the government should not involve any private individuals or social organizations, it said,

The decision also demanded further reform of the administrative system, the delegation of powers, and boosting the transformation of government functions.

The State Council released two lists concerning the eradicated non-administrative approval items and those brought under government approval.

The canceled items include approvals for planning national geoparks, establishing tourism projects involving water resources, certifying major wetlands, as well as setting up Confucius Institutes and their annual projects.

The adjusted items include approvals for government-invested projects, provincial energy development plans, national and international sports competitions’ organization, and general plans for major ports.