Gov't reveals expenses to online community
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A recent online notice listing all government expenditures of a small township in Sichuan Province grabbed the online community's attention.
The news of the list was first released by a post dubbed "the first case of a naked government" on Bazhong Forum, saying the Baimiao township government had detailed, on its website, the money they spent in January on items ranging from office supplies to cigarettes and drinks for higher authorities.
The list shows 44 payments totaling 8,240 yuan (US$1,207). The largest part of the expenses – 1,269 yuan (US$186) – went to receptions for higher authorities, while the least amount – 1.5 yuan (US$0.22) was for paper.
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Zhang Yingshang, secretary of the township Party committee, said he came up with the idea two years ago at the Party school. "We need to make sure everyone knows where the money goes if we are to exercise our right to govern."
The amount spent on receptions drew some criticism from netizens, who wondered why it was so high. About 65 percent of the total budget, or 5,425 yuan (US$798), went to receptions. Zhang said there are usually more meetings in January because many annual reports are released then.
Zhang said he wanted to cut the budget for receptions, to 300 yuan (US$44) at most for up to six people and 500 yuan (US$73) for 10 people.
Others questioned the authenticity of the list. But Zhang said there is no reason to lie about how much was spent because government officials must report their spending to get reimbursed.
Still, many netizens praised the Baimiao government.
"Pay high tribute to the government!" one commenter wrote. "Hope more and more governments and authorities will make their expenditures in public!"
"The mass will understand this government even if the government did not do it perfectly," another wrote. "We are afraid some governments have no courage to do so."
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