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The National Development and Reform Commission announced on Thursday the rules and regulations regarding the office space of government officials.
Officials in the several ministries of the Chinese government are only allowed to have up to 54 square meters of office space, while those in the lowest level can have no more than 9 square meters.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the NDRC issued on Monday a memo regarding the construction standards of government offices and structures, stating that the buildings should not be erected as landmarks. Government buildings should not use excessive decorations and should be efficient in its use of energy, the circular said.
The circular also stated that the budgets for the government offices should be congruent with the official's status.
In addition, government buildings are not allowed to be used for residential purposes or monetary gain. The structures should also not stand at China's scenic spots.
It also said that government agencies are restricted from putting up squares or gardens with the office buildings.
The new regulation received plenty of support as it may achieve closer management of land usage. Some local governments are reported to be building big and expensive offices while also violating land regulations such as constructing on arable land.
The new office space regulation is also in line with the central government's anti-graft and corruption campaign that urges officials to live simpler.
Some are not satisfied with the regulation, though, saying that the office size can still be reduced. Some are also doubting the implementation of the regulation.
If compared to 1999 standards on usable office space, the size allowed for lower level officials actually increased from 3 to 12 square meters.
