China on Saturday urged local officials to practice
self-discipline and avoid corruption during the upcoming holiday
periods.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the
Communist Party of China and the Ministry of Supervision issued a
circular to Party organizations and governments, requesting
enhanced awareness among officials and asking them to set an
example to the public.
"All Party officials must have a healthy, civilized and thrifty
New Year holiday and the Spring Festival, and economically arrange
activities during the holidays," it says.
The circular bans officials from spending government money on
visits, tours, banquets and other costly entertainment.
It also warns against taking bribes like cash and stocks,
gambling and other means of collecting money such as weddings and
funerals.
New Year and Spring Festival subsidies and bonuses are
prohibited for civil servants, and parties and award ceremonies
must be limited as well.
"Cadres must restrain themselves and educate their spouses,
children and staff," it says.
The authorities also require local officials to care about
people's living standards, especially those in poor and
disaster-hit regions, and to try their best to solve issues of
public concern.
"The allocation of disaster relief funds and materials, and
unemployment and retirement benefits must be ensured and companies
must pay delayed salaries to employees, especially migrant
workers," says the circular.
Issues that provoke public complaints, including land seizures,
re-allocation of reservoir residents, pollution and production
safety, must be properly handled.
The governments must also enhance supervision of food and drug
markets, production safety and crack down on counterfeit
production.
However, no additional burdens can be passed on to the public
and companies, especially farmers with additional fee
impositions.
The circular also urged officials to identify and resolve unrest
promptly, and to respond to public complaints and letters as a
priority.
Financial and auditing departments must enhance management and
supervision, and Party discipline officials must improve ties with
the people, hear their voices and properly deal with
corruption.
The Spring Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday when people
celebrate the beginning of lunar new year and enjoy family
reunions. It falls on Feb. 18 next year.
(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2006)