Time to target grassroots corruption

It is high time that the "flies" were eradicated for good. Local discipline inspection authorities should impose stricter supervision on all public servants and hold accountable those who violate regulations to keep them clean.

More specifically, they need to keep a close eye on the management of natural resources by curbing illegal exploitation and behind-the-scenes collusion between government and businessmen. Besides, measures should also be taken to make sure that the exclusive subsidies for rural residents are given to those in need and favorable medical and insurance policies are fully implemented.

Procuratorial departments at all levels need to fulfill their obligations as well, and they should supervise civil, criminal and administrative litigation, while dealing with corrupt officials suspected of misusing public funds, as well as judicial authorities that take bribes to help corrupt officials walk away with impunity.

Of course, more institutional efforts are required to build a firewall to prevent power-for-money exchanges, and ensure local authorities disclose affairs within the Party and the government, and improve their financial management.

To prevent public assets from being embezzled, representatives, especially those from less developed regions, should be granted a say in major governmental decisions, under the supervision and guidance of local village or town councils. Local officials are supposed to face routine audits of local financial affairs and make public the results in a timely manner.

The author is director of the China Anti-Corruption Judicial Research Center in Beijing.