Zeenews Bureau
Beijing: The radio and television advertisements promoting lavish gifting will now be reportedly banned to prevent “incorrect values” as part of the austerity drive. The step has been taken as part of the government’s campaign to curb corruption and lavish spending, as per BBC report.
The ban comes a week ahead of the start of lunar new year in which gifting is a common practise. Such advertisements will encourage people to be spendthrift, according to State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (Sarft), as per report.
The step has been taken a month ahead of once-in-a-decade change of leadership in China with new Communist Party leader, Xi Jinping emphasising on the austerity drive to reduce extravagance.
Earlier, the Chinese military was asked to strike off luxury banquets and liquor from its list of do's while hosting receptions for high-ranking officers, under a new austerity-cum-simplicity drive.
According to new regulations, such receptions should be kept simple and devoid of pomp.
Ten regulations drawn up by the Central Military Commission now headed by China's new Communist Party leader, Xi Jinping, who succeed Hu Jintao last month, said the events should be free of welcome banners, red carpets, floral arrangements, formations of soldiers, performances and souvenirs.
First Published: Wednesday, February 06, 2013, 20:07