Nearly 7,000 officials punished for violating frugality policies

BEIJING - A total of 6,977 Chinese officials were punished in October for violating the central authority's policies for a thrifty work style, the top anti-graft body said Friday.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) issued the routine monthly report on dealing with extravagance, saying that the people punished were involved in a total of 5,263 violations found in October.

The officials were involved in violating policies on government buildings, vehicles, overseas travel with public fees, sending or accepting gifts, excessive government spending on receptions, extravagance in weddings and funerals, and other work disciplines, the CCDI said on its website.

One of those officials served at the ministerial level and 13 were ranked at the prefectural level, the anti-graft body said.

On Dec. 4, 2012, CPC leaders introduced an eight-point rule to fight corruption and bureaucracy. The campaign requires officials to minimize meetings, cut government spending and follow strict housing and vehicle standards.