This was not the first time I had seen NPC deputies and CPPCC members encircled by swarms of reporters trying to ask questions, because this scene often appears on TV, in newspaper stories or in online reports.

But it was the first time I had seen these scenes personally, in the Great Hall of the People or hotels where the representatives have panel discussions, as I covered the two sessions - China's biggest political event of the year - as a reporter.

It's often very difficult to tell who the representative is, as they are surrounded by layers and layers of journalists. I have even heard some reporters say they often didn't know the guy whom they were trying to interview, they just followed in the steps of their fellow reporters.

But more often than not, as it turns out, the besieged lawmakers or political advisers are high-level government officials, business executives and entertainment stars.

Many other representatives, especially those from the grassroots level, are usually ignored by the media.

Increasing numbers of grassroots representatives, including migrant workers and rural deputies, have joined the top legislative body this year.

A total of 401 workers and farmers have been elected deputies, a 63 percent jump from the 11th NPC, according to the NPC Standing Committee.

The government and society are increasingly concerned about the common people and the higher percentage of deputies from the grassroots level means that more common people's voices can be heard.

But this goal cannot be fully realized without the help of media organizations.

Many government officials have said that they hope the media can focus on more grassroots representatives.

Guo Shenglian, the deputy governor of Hubei province, turned down my request for an interview and told me that journalists should report more about people at the grassroots level, instead of focusing too much on government officials, especially senior ones.

A lot of grassroots representatives' proposals involve issues that might seem unimportant but represent concerns about the country's development and the people's well-being.

One of my interviewees was Zhang Qiong, a deputy county chief from Hubei province who used to be a teacher. In her motion, she calls for more government investment in and attention to the caring of saplings after planting.

She said she conducted a lot of research, including numerous on-the-spot surveys and talks with many farmers and tree planters, and found that more than 60 percent of the new forests she surveyed in her county cannot survive as a result of inadequate follow-up care of saplings.

She said this problem, which is common around the country according to her research, will hamper the country's efforts to build a "beautiful China" and seek ecological development.

Contact the writer at rongxd@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/11/2013 page8)