China punishes officials violating building ban

BEIJING - Fifty-five officials have been punished for violating a ban on the construction of new government buildings, a statement from the State Council revealed Wednesday.

The officials were punished according to Party or government disciplines, said a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council, or China's cabinet.

Another 147 Party members and officials were being "handled," it said, without giving details.

China's central authorities introduced a five-year ban on the construction of new government buildings in 2013 to promote a national frugality campaign and curb official's appropriation of public funds.

Most areas and departments have complied with the ban, but some localities are still building office compounds in violation of rules or have not rectified their wrongdoing as ordered, said the statement.

The statement ordered further supervision to avoid a recurrence of the problem.

"The malpractice of constructing new government buildings should be exposed. Departments and individuals should never cover or shield the malpractice," said the statement.

Those who are building new government offices must be punished. For the buildings that have been illegally constructed, relevant authorities must rectify the problem within a set time.

It also called for establishing an inspection mechanism to prevent public funds being abused for constructing government offices, auditoriums and hotels.

"Precious funds should be used for safeguarding and improving the people's well-being," the statement said.