China will downsize awards for art and literature by 60 percent nationwide this year,the Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced on Monday.

Too many redundant awards ceremonies and appraisals of literature and art have caused irregularities and power-for-money deals, according to the MOC.

The MOC will regulate government officials' participation in competitions and awards, in a bid to promote fairness and transparency. The officials will also be forbidden from exerting any influence during award appraisals.Violators will be subject to severe punishment.

Culture Minister Luo Shugang attributes the chaos in literature and art circles to self-indulgent profit seeking.

Some writers and artists, obsessed by money and illusory fame, drift off course, Luo said. Instead, they should focus their creativity on social responsibility.

Future competition and awards should advocate mainstream socialist values against the corruptive mentality, Luo said. Endite

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