Officials' perks to be targeted in anti-graft campaign

The top anti-corruption agency plans to start a campaign to rid government officials of excessive benefits, including expensive vehicles, large offices and publicly funded houses.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China said on Wednesday that government officials have to give back expensive vehicles and move out of offices and houses that fail to meet the standards.

The commission plans to create a draft of officials' standard benefits and welfare, defining packages covering offices, houses, vehicles, receptions, secretaries and security guards.

Some current regulations standardize government officials' benefits. For example, the offices of each chief county official should be less than 20 square meters, according to the standards for government offices, released by the National Development and Reform Commission in January 2009.

However, there are no standards for government officials' benefits including cars, offices and houses.

The new standards will ensure that officials enjoy benefits that "match" their rank, the commission said.

For retired officials, the standards will also define the welfare benefits they can continue to enjoy after leaving office, the commission said.

Some government officials pursue extravagant lifestyles and privileges, which has caused "bad social effects" and angered the public, the commission said.

Government officials must stick to the standards, and cannot have expensive cars, homes or extra staff, the commission said. It also said it will establish an official residence system, under which the government will arrange a house for senior officials and their family members. When the official leaves office, the house will be given to another official.

It's the first time the anti-corruption organ has elaborated on the official residence system after the concept was initially put forward during the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee last month.

The plenum, which promised to deepen reform, vowed to establish a scientific and effective anti-corruption mechanism.

On Dec 4, 2012, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee put forward the "eight-point" rules, which require officials to improve work efficiency, lead a frugal lifestyle and abide by regulations on houses and government vehicles.