Southwest China's Sichuan province is strengthening efforts to make government information open to the public.

All key policies that are related to people's benefits will be open to the public in a timely fashion, according to a new regulation passed by the provincial government.

The government will strengthen transparency in the use of public funds and other public welfare affairs, said the new rules.

Non-confidential key decisions made by the executive meeting of the government will be released on media and government websites within three days, it said.

The regulation also stipulates that key policies and decision-making that would greatly affect people's benefits will be open to public opinion.

Government policies and decisions that may produce a major divergence among the public will involve public hearings for discussion and debate, it said.