The central government plans to initiate an overall inspection to ensure that the policies made by central authorities are effectively implemented, a senior official said on Monday.

Yang Jing, a State councilor and also secretary-general of the State Council, said that inspectors will check and oversee the implementation of this year's Government Work Report and the measures put forward by the State Council since last year.

The move is key to stabilizing economic growth, pursuing the goal of economic and social development, and improving the government's work style, he said during a video conference in Beijing.

The central government's policies should be put into practice effectively to benefit the people and raise the government's credibility, he said.

Yang told the inspectors to get close to the people, hear their voices, answer their complaints, and tackle their problems.

On Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang told central and local authorities to actively implement reform policies in the face of downward pressure on the economy.

"To achieve the development goals this year, we should better mobilize efforts from both the central and local authorities," Li said in Beijing.

China's economy grew at its weakest pace in 18 months in the first quarter, expanding by 7.4 percent, lower than the 7.5 percent target.

The central government has unveiled a string of measures, including lowering companies' financial burdens, in an effort to steady growth near its target of 7.5 percent without disrupting plans to restructure the economy or worsening problems of overcapacity and debt.

The risks and challenges are not to be overlooked as downward pressure remains "relatively high", Li said, adding that China's economic growth, employment and inflation are all within a proper range.

Local government bodies should continue to streamline functions and delegate power to lower levels to facilitate investment, job creation and employment, he said.

"The main engine is the market, and the government should play a guiding and helping role," Li said, urging more support to emerging industries, the private economy and micro-enterprises.

The government will give more prominence to projects related to social welfare, such as transportation, water facilities in the less-developed central and western regions, and slum renovation, Li said.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn