Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 589 - 545: A Spark of Stars (First update, asking for votes)_1

Chapter 589: Chapter 545: A Spark of Stars (First update, asking for votes)_1

“Three-public” expenditures refer to public funds used for dining, official cars, and overseas trips funded by the government.

In Nie Zhenbang’s memory, this is a significant problem that plagues the nation. There are various claims on the market. Some exaggerated reports estimate that annually, “Three-public” expenditure exceeds 1.9 trillion Yuan. However, according to the data from the Central Ministry of Finance, the amount is merely 29 billion Yuan. Clearly, both numbers are inaccurate. The former is likely exaggerated, while the latter probably only considers the portion of expenditure from central fiscal budgets. The financial spending of local governments and various departments is not included in the calculation.

According to Nie Zhenbang’s estimates, a more reliable figure for the annual “Three-public” expenditure nationwide would likely fall between 600 and 900 billion Yuan.

What can this amount of money do? It could construct 90 Hucheng Magnetic Levitation systems. It could build 15 fleets of heavy aircraft carriers.

Based on current construction costs, primary schools cost about 100,000 Yuan each, while secondary schools cost about 1 million each. Therefore, the annual “Three-public” expenditure could construct between 6 and 9 million primary schools and between 600,000 and 900,000 secondary schools. This could enable all towns and even villages nationwide to have primary and secondary schools.

Nie Zhenbang has been grappling with this problem and considering it deeply. As the process of reform and opening-up deepens, the “Three-public” expenditure reflects a clear increasing trend. Ultimately, this is probably due to human nature. Perhaps the current figures have not yet reached that level, but its emergence is undeniable. If anyone were to address this issue at that point, it would be akin to making themselves an enemy of officials nationwide.

Internally, there is a saying: use public funds for dining because if you don’t, it’s a waste. Using official cars for personal use and enjoyment is justified because why let them rust? Government-funded overseas travel allows for inspections and acquisition of foreign technology and advanced management experience to better serve economic construction. It denotes a broad perspective and high aspiration.

At first glance, the “Three-public” is perhaps less egregious than corruption or abuse of law. Nonetheless, its influence is far-reaching and profound, and it could become a heavy burden on the nation.

Having explained the basic concepts and knowledge about the “Three-public”, Nie Zhenbang said, “Leaders, I believe that ‘Three-public’ expenditure has a definite trend of growing more intense. Controlling ‘Three-public’ spending and establishing a favorable image of officials in the eyes of the people to uphold the authority of the party is a pressing issue we cannot neglect.”

No sooner had he finished his words than Qu Jiantuan sneered, “Comrade Nie, isn’t this a bit of harping on the dangers? Billions? If it is really like that, then would higher authorities’ inspections, normal official hospitality, use of official cars, and necessary overseas inspections have to be suspended? How can we talk about development? How can we talk about construction?”

The words of Qu Jiantuan obviously carried elements of cherry-picking information and inconsistency. But Nie Zhenbang wasn’t bothered as he knew Qu Jiantuan had ulterior motives, this matter was kind of hard to determine anyway.

For instance, regarding public spending on dining, say bureau A from city A and bureau B from city B, which are both comrades and units from the same industry, it’s expected for them to treat each other during visits for learning and exchanging ideas. How could you assert that their main purpose is to enjoy life, not to exchange ideas?

Nie Zhenbang understood clearly that this could not be changed overnight. Each region’s economic conditions are different. The impoverished northwest and the developed east have different price levels. In the west, an ample banquet can be prepared for about 30 yuan per person. However, in the east, this amount could only pay for the most ordinary meal. The development disparities need to be respected and handled differently.

Moreover, Nie Zhenbang never expected his approach to be promoted nationwide. Now, it seems like his attitude is similar to what Taizu used to say, “A single spark can start a prairie fire.” He has already influenced New Li City, now Lizhou city, and Liangxi City followed suit. Now, in Wanghai city, Nie Zhenbang is preparing to take action. This time, if he can encourage these border-officials to promote and implement such a plan, he will have fulfilled his goal.

“Governor Qu, please calm down. I do not mean to reject all ‘Three-public’ expenditures,” Nie Zhenbang reassured Qu Jiantuan calmly.

At these words, the gazes of the other leaders turned to Qu Jiantuan, making him somewhat annoyed. Nie Zhenbang was so infuriating. His words could easily give the impression that he was strongly opposed to this practice, causing unnecessary misunderstandings.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang no longer pays attention to Qu JiTuan, continuing, “Regarding how to limit ‘Three Public Expenditures’, the measures I have currently adopted are only aimed at the problem of eating and drinking on public funds. That is, the service reception standards I implemented in Lizhou and Liangxi.”

“Service reception standards? Interesting, can you elaborate on that?” On the side, Liu Yong asked with a thoughtful look.

Nie Zhenbang’s service reception standards in Lizhou City and Liangxi City weren’t widely publicized, so it was normal that Liu Yong wasn’t aware.

Nie Zhenbang nodded without hesitation and said, “Governor Liu, in fact, the service reception standards are set according to different places, depending on the local economic development and price level, to limit the amount of public money spent on dining. For example, for a table of ten people, suppose the consumption level in a place is 50 yuan. Then, the standard for one table cannot exceed five hundred yuan. Whether it’s for higher-level official visits or mutual interactions between departments, any excess of this figure must be covered by themselves.”

“Following the same logic, we can also consider setting a detailed, quantifiable plan for the mileage and fuel consumption of official vehicles. This not only provides transparency but also effectively discourages private use of official vehicles. As for official trips, I believe similar methods can be used to limit ‘Three Public Expenditures’, such as producing foreign invitation letters, stipulating the number of people traveling overseas, and capping expenditure.”

In essence, Nie Zhenbang’s approach is to set limits. For all expenditures, a detailed standard is set. The amount spent within this standard framework is considered reasonable, while anything exceeding the standard is surplus. And the government’s finances hold no responsibility for these extra expenditures.

To put it in perspective, if a department throws a banquet for upper-level officials and fellow departments with ten tables, by the standard, the cost should be 5000 yuan. When claiming a reimbursement, regardless if you have receipts for 6000 or 7000 yuan, the recognized reimbursement amount is only 5000 yuan, the excess must be covered by oneself.

“Zhenbang’s standards indeed had some effect, however, even the best standard requires implementation. If the execution is ineffective and supervision is weak, these service standards would be moot. Plus, different entities have their own financial resources and systems, and can’t be effectively restricted.” Yu Cangzhou, mayor of Chongqing City who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

No wonder he’s a high-ranking official at the provincial and ministerial level, his perspective is sharp and insightful. People like Yu Cangzhou here all have rich political experience and are very familiar with local issues. They don’t need deep thought to pinpoint the crux of the problem.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang agreed, “Mayor Yu is correct. This indeed is the biggest problem that impedes execution. When I was in New Li City, I conducted a thorough investigation of the city’s finances, established a Financial Accounting Center, integrated all public expenditures within the accounting center. Once any exceeding the standard was detected, the first time it would be criticized by the public. The second time, disciplinary action within the party. The third time, severe penalties. Only when all these measures were implemented together, did we ensure the effective implementation of these standards.”

As he spoke of Liangxi City, Nie Zhenbang showed an apologetic expression, then spoke, “In Liangxi City, the supervision and financial reimbursement aspects weren’t as strong as in New Li City. However, from top to bottom, all units, regardless of the level of leadership, were required to follow these standards. The city’s party committee and government, in collaboration with the organization department, spontaneously conducted spot checks and inspections on all cadres. Once any violation was detected, depending on the severity of the situation, it would be noted in the file and linked to future promotions and positions.”

Today, as he discussed this matter with these senior provincial and ministerial leaders, Nie Zhenbang was very excited. Although these matters may not be implemented by the senior officials present, as long as they were made to deeply reflect and a spark was ignited in their hearts, his objective would be accomplished.

At this moment, Qu JiTuan’s facial expression changed slightly. He originally wanted Nie Zhenbang to make a fool of himself in front of his provincial colleagues. However, he hadn’t expected that he would have inadvertently supported Nie Zhenbang. He feared that from tonight, Nie Zhenbang’s and Nie Guowei’s reputation as political rising stars would thoroughly proliferate within the system.

At this moment, no matter how Qu JiTuan looked at Nie Zhenbang and Nie Guowei, he felt uncomfortable. He then stood up and said with a smile, “Governor Qiao, I think the matter of the Wangtian Highway can be settled like this. We will convene again tomorrow to jointly submit an application to the State Council in the name of the six provinces and cities.”

At this time, Qu JiTuan deliberately sidestepped Nie Zhenbang’s topic.

Everyone present was clear about Qu JiTuan’s intention, even if it was unspoken. At this level, everyone understood implicitly. There was no need for Qu JiTuan to lose face. Otherwise, it might have a negative impact on this collaboration, resulting in a loss outweighing the gain.(