(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-27 17:30

China's discipline authority on Thursday urged government officials to practise self-discipline and avoid corruption during the upcoming holiday season.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said in a circular that all Party officials must have a healthy, civilized and thrifty new year holiday and Spring Festival, and economically arrange activities during the holidays.

The circular banned officials from spending government money on visits, tours, banquets and other costly entertainment.

It also warned against taking bribes in cash and stocks, gambling and other means of collecting money, such as weddings and funerals.

The new year and Spring Festival subsidies and bonuses were prohibited for civil servants, and parties and award ceremonies must be limited as well.

The CCDI also required 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.

Governments must check price bidding-up practices, enhance supervision of food and drug markets, production safety and crack down on counterfeit production.

"Issues that provoke public complaints, including land seizures, re-allocation of reservoir residents, pollution and production safety, must be properly handled," the CCDI said.

The allocation of disaster relief funds and materials, and unemployment and retirement benefits must be ensured. Companies must also pay delayed salaries to employees, especially migrant workers.

The circular urged officials to identify and resolve unrest promptly, and to respond to public complaints and letters as a priority.

Discipline inspection organs must enhance supervision and deal seriously with malpractice, including corruption.

The Spring Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday when people celebrated the beginning of the Lunar New Year and enjoy family reunions. It falls on February 7.