China's local governments lay down rules to punish laidback officials

Local governments are laying down the rules to punish officials seen as slacking on their jobs, a trend observed since the corruption crackdown began.

The move - which has seen governments roll out trial regulations to define and punish slack officials - follows Premier Li Keqiang's criticism of lazy officials during the annual parliamentary sessions in March.

The official reported that these rules defined slackness in three categories: inaction, passiveness, or launching ill-conceived measures.

Failing to implement a superior government's policies, delays in protecting citizens' rights, evading responsibilities for fear of offending other officials, and pressing ahead with white-elephant projects are among the definitions of slackness.

Foshan in Guangdong province was among the first cities to announce last month the seven criteria that identify a slack official. The city's party committee said it would issue three levels of written warnings and even fire or demote officials.

Liaoning, Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou have also issued similar rules.