China cracks down on nepotism

BEIJING – China has banned Communist Party and government officials from working with relatives or overseeing their businesses, state media said yesterday, amid efforts to rein in rampant corruption.

The ruling party order adds to efforts by Chinese leaders to appear tough on graft that has sparked protests and threatened to erode acceptance of communist rule. Under the new rule, government and party leaders cannot employ their spouses, children and other relatives to act as subordinate officials, accountants, auditors or human resources personnel.They are barred from controlling or supervising any industry in which family members have a financial stake.Officials also are barred from serving in their home villages.The announcement said violators would face criticism or disciplinary punishment but didn’t give any details on the penalties.Nampa-APUnder the new rule, government and party leaders cannot employ their spouses, children and other relatives to act as subordinate officials, accountants, auditors or human resources personnel.They are barred from controlling or supervising any industry in which family members have a financial stake.Officials also are barred from serving in their home villages.The announcement said violators would face criticism or disciplinary punishment but didn’t give any details on the penalties.Nampa-AP