Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a seminar attended by economists and corporate leaders on Tuesday, Beijing, April 14, 2015. [Photo / Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang harshly criticized the country's excessive regulation and red tape on Wednesday, ridiculing an instance when a citizen was even asked to prove "your mother is your mother" when seeking a government permit.

"How ridiculous! The citizen only intended to go travelling abroad and take a vacation," Li was quoted as saying Wednesday at a State Council executive meeting, on the cabinet's website. "I wonder whether these government departments are caring for the public or intentionally obstructing them."

Li was referring to the experience of a Beijing resident surnamed Chen, who struck a chord on the Internet when he in April posted his encounter online.

Further demonstrating his point, Li cited another story in which a model worker from the southernmost province of Hainan had to acquire eight stamps from the government before attending a high-level event in Beijing. Only after a senior official from the provincial government stepped in was he successful.

"Why is it so hard for the public to obtain certificates from the government? Why do government departments set so many barriers for ordinary citizens?" Li asked.

He said that after two years of simplifying administrative procedures and delegating power to lower levels, there is still a large gap between actual results and people's expectations.

This is not the first time Li vented his lack of satisfaction with government bureaucracy. Li in April lambasted officials for time-consuming, redundant procedures in implementing central policies. He also criticized state-owned banks for not cooperating with efforts to boost economic growth during an inspection trip in northeast Jilin Province.