China to standardise officials\' benefits

China's anti-corruption watchdog is planning to draft the standards governing official's benefits and welfare, defining differentiated packages based on the level of the official. The standards, covering offices, houses, cars, receptions, vacations, secretaries and security guards, aim to ensure that officials are enjoying welfare which "matches" their levels, the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on Wednesday. Only a limited number of personnel at certain levels are allowed special official cars, full-time secretaries and bodyguards, according to a statement on the commission's website. It said officials' treatment may be improved along with China's overall social and economic development, but the enhancement should be strictly limited within a certain scope. For retired officials, the standards will also define the welfare they can continue to enjoy after their terms in office. Officials must adhere to the standards and are never allowed to arrange over-standard cars, homes or furnishings, or extra staff, the anti-corruption organ warned. They are also prohibited from misusing military vehicles and police car plates, or using public cars for personal convenience. In addition, the commission said, China will try to establish a residence system under which the government will arrange a house for a senior official and his/her family members, but take it back and allocate it to another official if the original occupant leaves office. This is common international practice, noted the watchdog. The commission vowed to reinforce supervision and inspection of officials' holding of houses, cars and other welfare and to punish those who violate the standards.