Austere working practices the 'new normal'

Customers enjoy food at a high-end restaurant in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, Dec 28, 2014. Originally named 1917 Garden Restaurant, the once luxury clubhouse reopened on Dec 28 as 1917 Coffee and Tea serving ordinary clients. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - Chinese central authorities on Monday announced that 12 teams have been organized to study how the austere working practice policies were carried out in 2014 in provinces, state organs and state-owned enterprises.

The inspection teams are jointly formed by the General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, or the cabinet.

They will cover 16 provinces, regions and municipalities, 6 state organs, and 6 state-owned companies, including financial firms, according to a statement of the two offices on Monday.

The teams will focus on fields including overseas travel, receptions, vehicles, golf courses and high-end clubs.

The statement authorizes inspectors to hold seminars, interviews and field studies to learn about the real situation on the ground.

The "eight-point rules" were introduced on Dec. 4, 2012 to reduce undesirable work practices, minimize meetings, cut spending and follow strict housing and vehicle standards.

A total of 102,168 officials had been dealt with for breaches of the "eight-point" rules by the end of 2014.