Training centers get bad marks for graft

Regulation targets those taking advantage of position to benefit themselves, their families

The top anti-graft watchdog issued a regulation on Wednesday prohibiting the secretaries of Party officials from accompanying them to training programs and schools, and writing speeches or articles on officials' behalf.

In addition, training centers are prohibited from using police cars to block roads during events, as well as from giving officials typical local goods as gifts, the CPC Central Commission for Disciplinary Inspection said.

Officials who break the rules may have their study scores canceled or be ordered to quit the course. The directors at the training institutes will also be held accountable, the CCDI said.

Since the new leadership took office in November 2012, the Party's Central Committee has put forward a set of rules to build a clean government, including requirements to lead a frugal life, and cut expenses for government vehicles, receptions and domestic or overseas trips.

Training institutes are considered one of the areas worst-hit by graft.

According to CCDI statistics, more than 70,000 government officials were punished by disciplinary inspection authorities last year for violating the party rules.

To curb such cases, the CCDI released a notice to regulate the officials' behavior, including their study, outside activities and use of vehicles, as well as their contacts and personal relationships.

The notice stipulated that during training, Party officials are prohibited from receiving gifts, cash and securities, as well as local typical foods offered by governments or educational centers.

In addition, they can't ask classmates to arrange for their children's education or jobs, or help family members operate a business, then accept bribes, according to the notice.

"Due to lax supervision and some failures in education, some Party officials have adopted the wrong values and mistakenly think their priority is to use the job to obtain personal benefits rather than serve the people," said Li Wei, a lawyer from Beijing Lawyers Association.