Mechanism to end extravagance

The eight provisions issued by the new leadership at the end of last year to combat extravagance and waste have been so well enforced at local levels that many restaurants received cancellations before the Spring Festival holiday. The demonstration of a more frugal style of government should be maintained, says an article on xinhuanet.com. Excerpts:

Many officials were prone to hypertension or at risk of diabetes because of the frequent social activities and banquets they enjoyed. Such a "wine culture" also gave rise to power-for-money deals under the table.

Fortunately, the eight measures to reduce official extravagance and waste have bunged a cork in the traditional alcohol-lubricated activities prior to the Spring Festival and officials had the time and energy to concentrate on their duties.

Government departments and officials at all levels should firmly stick to the provisions and fulfill their tasks without ostentatious displays of their status. Otherwise, the new policy will not only fail to lead to a better working style, it will also give rise to new bad habits and invite fresh complaints and criticism from the public. However, any system or regulation will never be effective unless there is a sound and long-term mechanism for its enforcement so that in the future it becomes the norm.

(China Daily 02/26/2013 page9)