Govt officials to be watched during holidays   

中纪委要求严禁利用节日之机跑官要官

据监察部网站消息，中央纪委监察部日前发出通知，要求党员领导干部在2013年元旦、春节期间，切实改进工作作风，加强廉洁自律。

(Ecns.cn) -- The disciplinary watchdog of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government's supervisory authority are calling on officials to improve their working style and exhibit self-discipline during the upcoming holiday season.

Regulations to improve the Party's work style and maintain close ties with the people should be strictly implemented, according to a circular issued Thursday by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Ministry of Supervision.

The circular calls on officials to work hard and practice economy, rejecting practices of extravagance. The use of public funds to purchase cigarettes, liquor and gifts for government officials is strictly prohibited, as well as the use of government cars for private purposes.

Public spending on extravagant banquets, travel, entertainment or sporting activities is banned, as is illegally collecting funds from enterprises or individuals during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays. The regulation also bans excessive allowances and gifts in the form of cash, negotiable securities or convertible coupons during official occasions.

The circular calls for strict enforcement of political discipline. Officials are banned from using their holidays to lobby or bribe people for promotions, or buy votes for official selection procedures. Holiday gambling by officials is prohibited.

The circular calls on CPC disciplinary and government supervisory authorities at all levels to strictly investigate and punish those who violate the rules.