Ethics training needed for civil servants: Chinese official

Beijing, April 17 (IANS) Professional ethics training for civil servants is a "pressing and long-term strategic task" that could have a profound influence on the government's work efficiency as well as the image of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a senior official has said.

"Lawful administration and professional ethics are two major aspects of our civil servants' quality. Their ethics level should reflect that of society on the whole, and they should set an moral example for others," said Yang Shiqiu, party chief of the State Administration of Civil Service (SACS).

Yang's comments were carried in Tuesday's People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the CPC.

In November last year, the SACS issued guidelines offering detailed training standards including the minimum course hours and training methods. This pushed the professional ethics campaign on civil servants, an idea initiated in 2009, to new heights, reported Xinhua.

The move came in response to increased public outcry, as reports emerged of civil servants using prostitutes, taking bribes and leading luxurious lifestyles.

"There are indeed some civil servants who have no emotional ties to the people. They neglect their duty and even play with money and power," said Yang, noting that such problems basically stem from a lack of professional ethics.

Yang hoped that by promoting civil servants' professional ethics, they can also improve themselves as individuals, family members as well as members of the society.

According to Yang, while all civil servants must take part in the training, which includes lectures and case studies, a special focus will be given to those working in reception posts as well as at the grassroots levels as they are directly facing the people and represent the image of the party and the government.

"Training is a basic measure to promote professional ethics for civil servants, but it's far from enough," Yang said.

Yang called for scrutiny from the media and the public on civil servants' behaviour in addition to their work units' own evaluation.

"When the time comes, we will push forward the legislation on civil servants' professional ethics," Yang added.