Beijing: The popularity of China`s Communist Party has continued to grow, with two million people seeking its membership which is seen as a passport to the ruling class elite.
The Communist Party’s membership touched 78 million in
2009, or nearly 3 percent from 2008. It is an increase of two
million, almost keeping pace with China’s population growth.
Even as over 20 million people applied to join the
Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2009, the party recruited
about two million new members, said Wang Qinfeng, Deputy head
of the Organisation Department of the CPC Central Committee.
The two million new members were selected from over 20
million who applied for membership, Wang was quoted as saying
by the People`s Daily newspaper, the official newspaper of the
government.
Applicants for party membership need recommendations
from current members and his or her company or work unit
leader showing a strong degree of party loyalty, plus "good
behaviour." They also have to submit essays expressing support
for the party.
Elaborating on the membership profile, Wang said about
18.5 million were under 35 years old and about 28 million held
a college degree or above.
Founded in 1921 by Mao Zedong, who later emerged as a
cult figure heading the most violent revolutionary movement
followed by mass purges during the Cultural Revolution.
More than just an ideology, membership in the elite
Communist Party opens the way for large networking opportunity
with China`s ruling class and provides special benefits such
as health care perks, retirement benefits and greater career
opportunities.
Since Deng Xiaoping took over the reins of the party
in 1978, the CPC brought about a vast variety of changes
introducing mostly economic reforms that brought billions of
dollars for foreign investment followed by introduction of
private property, which was virtually abolished by Mao.
The CPC members took the lead in helping China host
the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics in 2008, celebrate the
60th anniversary of China last year, Wang said, while skirting
uncomfortable issues like growing labour unrest and poverty in
the countryside.
PTI
