We need smart and powerful watchdog to strictly supervise anti-poverty work

Editor's Note: China is set to realize its target of eliminating absolute poverty by the end of this year. What are the factors behind China's imminent success? In the 10th of a series of commentaries, a senior journalist of China Daily tries to find the answers.

Since becoming China's top leader in 2012, Xi Jinping, among many other things, has been pushing forward two campaigns－eradicating corruption and eliminating poverty. The anti-corruption campaign has made impressive progress, with thousands of corrupt officials, including hundreds above the ministerial level, being punished. As for the anti-poverty campaign, Xi has ensured it goes hand-in-hand with the anti-corruption drive.

The Poverty Alleviation Office of the State Council is in charge of the anti-corruption drive related to poverty-alleviation work. Each year, it conducts routine inspections to see whether the poverty alleviation work is being scientifically done, the special funds are properly used and whether any officials have violated laws or regulations.