Finance Ministry tightens screws on office expenses

Central governmental departments should not pay more than 7,000 yuan ($1,064) each for computers, and should use them for at least six years, according to a new standard on office supplies released on Monday.

The latest requirement, issued by the Ministry of Finance, is aimed at improving asset management of government departments, including the State Council, ministries and the Supreme People's Court, and reducing unnecessary costs of office supplies.

The requirement strictly controls the quantity of office supplies, such as furniture, computers and desks, the ministry said, adding that each department can only update supplies if they are broken.

For example, the cost of desks used for officials below division level cannot cost more than 3,000 yuan and chairs should be kept to less than 800 yuan, it said.

Computers, laptops and printers for officials at this level must be used at least six years, it said.

Every department is asked to purchase and use office supplies that are safe, low-cost, stable and convenient to repair, and luxurious ones must be banned, it said.

The move regulates asset management, it said, and all the expenses must be recorded in the department's financial budgets, echoing the frugality put forward by the central leadership.

The new requirement will take effect on July 1.