Joint notice announces an end to gala extravagance

By Global Times – Xinhua Source:Global Times-Agencies Published: 2013-8-13 23:28:02

Chinese authorities will curb extravagance in the organization of official galas and punish those who violate the regulations, an interdepartmental notice said Tuesday.

All areas and departments should bring luxurious and extravagant galas to a halt and encourage frugal event planning, according to the jointly-issued notice by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Culture, the National Audit Office, and the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

No government funds should be used to hold commercial galas or to invite high-cost entertainers, while funds from State-owned enterprises are not to be used to employ such celebrities, the notice said.

Galas, especially those organized with public funds, are usually held just to show off grand scenery, staging or extravagant production elements.

This has damaged the image of the Party and the government, triggering public complaints, according to the notice on Tuesday.

Public funds cannot be used to organize galas for events including tourism, history and culture, the adjustment of administrative divisions or the launch and completion of projects.

Co-organizing the gala with other enterprises is also forbidden in the notice.

The notice urged strengthened supervision and inspection of galas, budget control and strict auditing. It added that officials responsible for galas that cost large amounts of money and create waste will be severely punished.



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