CPC disciplinary watchdog adjusts its inspection methods to be more effective

The top disciplinary agency of the Communist Party of China published results of its latest round of inspections into government offices and Stateowned enterprises on Sunday, showing the impact of its modified methods.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection began its 12th round of inspections in February with a new style featuring more improvisation and aiming for greater efficiency.

In this round of inspections, examinations became more precise and problem-oriented, it said.

The four teams that were sent to government offices and State-owned enterprises were downsized to five or six members, while more inspectors worked in the background in supporting roles. Each team member specialized in a certain area, such as CPC regulations, accounting or auditing.

Based on the information gathered in previous inspections, the inspectors looked into specific, targeted areas, which resulted in a shorter but deeper examination process, it said.

Wang Yukai, a professor of public administration at the Chinese Academy of Governance, said the new method was much more effective.

“This kind of inspection detects a problem quickly, before the situation gets worse,” Wang said.

In this round, inspectors also showed up without advance notice. Inspectors decided where, what and when to examine, based on information obtained from the public.

Wang spoke highly of this style, as it made it impossible for organizations to prepare, or to hide information.

The inspections also re-examined four provincial-level regions.

Some local governments and enterprises in Jilin province had faked economic data, and some local authorities in the Inner Mongolia autonomousregion were criticized for weak implementation of policies and decisions of the CPC Central Committee, the watchdog’s announcement said.

It also said that authorities in Yunnan province had failed to thoroughly remove the negative influence of corrupt former officials, and that authorities in Shaanxi province had received complaints about problems in official selection and promotion.

The re-examination process began with the ninth round of inspections in February last year. So far, 16 provincial-level regions have been re-examined.

At a meeting on May 26, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee ordered the amendment of Party regulations on inspection work, to include the latest innovative practices.

The 12th round of inspections was the final round during the term of the 18th CPC Central Committee. The 19th CPC National Congress will be held in Beijing later this year.

Wang said that over the next five years, the anti-graft campaign will probably become more institutionalized and normalized.

“I predict inspections will also be carried out on a regular basis,” Wang said.