Civil servants barred from heading social organizations

In-service civil servants who head foundations or social service organizations should either resign from nongovernment organizations or from public service within six months, according to a guideline issued on social organizations on Sunday.

The General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council issued the new rules to encourage social organizations to play their role in the country's development.

The guideline said that social organizations have contributed to society's development, but problems such as an unclear management system and lack of government guidance remain. The guideline aims to foster better management.

In-service civil servants are not allowed to head foundations and social service organizations, and the retired civil servants can only head one, according to the latest rule.

The central government will continue to arrange special funds to support social organizations in providing social services, improving their capabilities and making plans to support a batch of social organizations to set up brands.

The guideline encourages social organizations in academic research and nonprofit charity organizations in various fields, such as poverty relief and elderly nursing, to register with the civil affairs authorities directly.

Authorities will strictly scrutinize the nationwide social organizations in some aspects, such as the necessity, the representation and the inclusiveness of the membership. The nationwide social organizations are not allowed to set branches in regions.

Industry associations and chambers of commerce are encouraged to play a role in serving companies, setting group standards, standardizing market orders, safeguarding members' rights and interests and mediating trade disputes.

Fewer registry standards will be set for community organizations engaged in offering various social services for residents to improve harmonious society, such as elderly nursing and rural production technology service.

Federations of community organizations are encouraged at the township level to play a role in the coordination and management of these groups.