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the overall responsibility for co-ordinating all government activities
in the New Territories, particularly those relating to development,
community building and services, land, and security. Traditional links
between the government and the people are maintained through rural
leaders elected to the 27 rural committees of the New Territories.
These rural leaders form the nucleus of the Heung Yee Kuk, a statutory
body which advises the government on New Territories' matters.
However, the rapidly changing character of the region has brought with
it the need for new urban-based organisations such as mutual aid
committees, Fight Crime committees, and groups with interests in the
arts, recreation and sport, and a host of other community activities.
In 1977 the traditional rural and newer urban-based organisations
were brought together in each administrative district to form District
Advisory Boards. These boards have a majority of unofficial members
representing a cross-section of each local community. They advise the
government on all matters affecting the well-being of their communities
and have funds to promote cultural and sporting activities and to
implement minor environmental improvements.
12.
Wide-ranging proposals for improving district administration
have been announced in a white paper on the subject published in
January 1981. The aims of the proposals are to provide a better focus
for consultation and participation for involvement at the district
level. These aims are to be achieved by the establishment of District
Management Committees and District Boards throughout Hong Kong, and
the holding of elections on a constituency basis to introduce a
directly elected element to the District Boards. For these purposes,