Frugality campaign netted 7,308 officials last month

BEIJING-- November saw 7,308 officials reprimanded for violating the central government's austere working practice policies, the top anti-graft body said Tuesday.

The Communist Party of China's (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) issued its monthly report regarding its fight against extravagance, saying that those punished were involved in 5,699 violations uncovered last month.

Violations included dereliction of duty; overseas travel and personal entertainment financed by public funds; negligence and lazy work practices; excessive spending on receptions, buildings and vehicles; extravagant weddings and funerals; and sending or accepting gifts, the CCDI said on its website.

A total of 96,788 officials have been dealt with for breaches of the "eight-point" rules as of late November.

The eight-point campaign started on Dec 4, 2012, with the aim to reduce pomp, ceremony, bureaucracy and other undesirable work practices. Officials were ordered to minimize meetings, cut government spending and follow strict housing and vehicle standards.

Over the last two years, disciplinary watchdogs at all levels have maintained the campaign's momentum and ensured offenders are named and shamed, which has served as a deterrent to others, the statement said.

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