Time to rethink China's 'civil servant fever'(2)

CHANGES

Since Xi Jinping took the helm of the CPC in November 2012, the Party has made a series of detailed regulations to uproot bureaucratic and extravagant work styles among government workers, such as requiring officials to travel with smaller entourages, simplifying receptions and practicing frugality.

When Li Jia first took the job, her monthly salary was as low as 1,700 yuan (about 274 U.S. dollars). She has been affected by China's ongoing crackdown on officials' extra perks, dinner receptions and extravagance.

"The welfare system is not as good as before and my annual salary is rather low," Li said, adding that she has to live with other two people in a small room to save money.

"Fewer applicants this year means that more people treat this exam rationally," said Wu Wenbin, an expert from Zhonggong. "It can give more opportunities to test takers who really want to work for the country and people."

Weng Simin, a senior student from Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, registered for the exam after deep consideration.

"I find it difficult to hunt for jobs in big companies as an archives management major. Government departments have a higher demand for this major, and I can apply my learning on the job," she said.

Zhang Yan said it is time to abandon the thought that being a civil servant is an easy job, adding that the most important quality for the job is the willingness to serve the people.

Zhang believes that the civil servant "fever" will cool down and the "iron rice bowl" will be broken with reform of the administrative system. "Actually, the change has already started."

In order to improve herself and seek new opportunities, Li Jia is pursuing postgraduate study at Tsinghua University while working.

"The civil service examination is just the first step to enter the system. In the long term, you have to be fully prepared to take on lots of responsibilities as a qualified civil servant," Li added.