The State Development and Reform Commission, sometimes referred to as the country's mini-Cabinet, has implemented a ban on visitors with Spring Festival gifts from entering its office buildings.

The measure, aimed at preventing its staff from taking bribes during the festival, was announced by the commission's General Office three weeks ago and is drawing national attention -- and some criticism.

"Anyone with a suitcase or a bag of unusual size will be checked by guards at the gate of the office compound," an entrance guard said. "An electronic system has also been installed across the compound to monitor violators."

Some visitors have tried to get round the ban by asking to leave gifts at the gate for staff to pick up later, said the guard, but this is not allowed either

Sociology Professor Xia Xueluan at Peking University praised the move as "an example for other government bodies" in fighting corruption and building a clean government.

The day after news on the ban first ran more than 300 people posted comments on the online forums of Xinhua News Agency and the People's Daily.

Many just don't think the measure will have any real effect.

"What if the visitor writes a large check, or simply goes to the official's home with his 'gifts'?" said one surfer with the name 'Heart of Justice.'

Zhang Hongqing, of the People's Daily, said it is more important for the Party and government to install a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and punish official corruption.

"A rigorous anti-graft mechanism could serve as a ubiquitous 'gift ban' for officials, which will help them practice self-discipline even without entrance guard checks," he said.

It is traditional for people to give presents or money to family members and close friends during Spring Festival. But such gifts turn into bribes if they are handed to government departments or civil servants, Xia said.

Due to frequent sightings of visitors with gifts entering government office buildings in recent years, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council have repeatedly banned the practice.

According to media reports, of all the officials convicted of corruption, 31 percent had taken bribes during the annual Spring Festival period.

(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2005)