Government officials traveling for official business now face new regulations. (Photo : Getty Images)
The country's Ministry of Finance (MOF) revealed a new set of regulations governing the business travel expenses of officials, according to a Global Times report.
Under the new rules, ministerial-level officials with business trips to Beijing can have a maximum accommodation expense worth 1,100 yuan.
The MOF also stated that ministerial-level public servants who travel to seven cities in the Guandong Province such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou can have a maximum accommodation allowance of 900 yuan per day. For those officials traveling to other Chinese cities, the maximum is 850 yuan.
In MOF's previous circular, the standard set for the province as a whole was 800 yuan.
The notice further said that the "maximum expense of ministerial-level officials for business trips to Beijing and Shanghai rose to 1,100 yuan from 800 yuan per day in 2015," the Global Times said.
The new set of standards will take effect starting May 1.
The move is said to be part of the Chinese government's way of clamping down on corruption. It has been the country's campaign to combat the said issue and instill greater discipline among China's public servants.
Earlier, the public has criticized the government for using official funds for "overseas leisure trips," the article added, emphasizing the authorities' use of government vehicles for personal errands as well as their enjoyment of luxurious accommodations and receptions.
In addition, China's top disciplinary watchdog stated that officials are "limited to economy-class air tickets and accommodations at single or standard rooms," the Global Times said.
Back on Jan. 1, the MOF had adjusted the accommodation expenses of officials in the central government and in state-owned enterprises and state-level public institutions who travel to major Chinese cities.
Nonetheless, the notice released earlier this year did not reveal the standards for traveling to other cities and countries.
