Officials warned off lavish spending over holiday
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-27 11:17

Party and government officials have been ordered to avoid extravagant activities, lavish banquets and to put the people's welfare first during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays, according to the Party and State Council.

They have been warned not to accept gifts from those seeking preferential treatment.

The general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council recently issued a notice calling for moderation during the holidays.

The notice requires all Party and government officials to avoid lavishing public funds on festival banquets or extravagant recreational activities and not to take gifts, money or security notes from people seeking favors.

Local officials should visit retired Red Army men, ex-soldiers and injured and crippled army personnel. They should visit relatives of revolutionary martyrs, model workers, poor old people living alone, laid-off and jobless people.

The notice said migrant workers must receive outstanding pay before the Spring Festival, a traditional time for family reunion, which falls on January 29.

Efforts should be stepped up to inspect potential safety problems and prevent and curb the spreading of bird flu.