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| Premier Slashes Extravagant Activities |
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Premier Zhu Rongji has called for resolutely combating extravagance and waste which, he said, are already a serious problem in production, construction, circulation or consumption.
The government must put an end to the erroneous practice of doing things without considering the actual conditions and probable results, he said, urging all to reduce expenditures and oppose waste.
Zhu made the call at Tuesday's opening meeting of the annual session of the National People's Congress （NPC）, when he delivered the Report on the Work of the Government.
He criticized some local authorities which like to build ostentatious projects in order to make a good impression or show their achievements. In urban development, they indiscriminately pursue things of the highest grade or standard, he said.
According to the premier, some local authorities launch unfeasible construction projects when they cannot even pay wages on time； some local authorities build luxurious office buildings and halls in violation of relevant regulations； and festivals and ceremonies of every conceivable description are celebrated, during which the hosts vie with one another for lavishness.
He also blamed some officials using public funds for wining and dining, extravagant entertainment and private travel abroad. This misconduct invariably consumes large sums of money, so the government must resolutely stop this tendency, he stressed.
The premier proposed that the government must widely publicize the principles of working in a pioneering way, building the country and doing everything diligently and frugally.
No effort should be spared to cut production, construction and distribution costs, he said.
All regions, departments and work units are obligated to formulate specific targets and measures for eliminating waste and reducing expenditures this year, he noted, stressing that economic and financial discipline must be strictly enforced.
Zhu said that a system of centralized collection and payment by the state treasury will be instituted for this purpose. Control over budgets, auditing and special financial accounts at all levels should be tightened, he said.
He pledged to strengthen the management of revenues that exceed budget forecasts. Cases involving off－books accounts and arbitrary spending in violation of regulations will be investigated and prosecuted severely, according to the premier.
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