A significant corruption scandal involving student meal fees has ignited a nationwide anti-corruption campaign in China. In early January, China Media Group (CMG) aired the documentary "Anti-Corruption for the People," revealing how Qi Shiguo, former logistics director of the Seventh Primary School in Changchun City, Jilin Province, collaborated with Jilin Golf Catering Management Company to embezzle public funds.
From August 2010 to December 2019, Qi and his accomplices accepted kickbacks from students' meal fees, initially receiving 10 cents per eight-yuan meal fee. When the meal fee increased to 12 yuan in 2014, their kickbacks rose to 30 cents. Over nine years, these small amounts accumulated to over 700,000 yuan, with Qi personally pocketing more than 230,000 yuan.
Responding to public outcry, the National Commission of Supervision (NCS) last year directed authorities to investigate 38,000 cases related to the mismanagement of students' meal funds, resulting in the punishment of 23,000 individuals. This effort is part of a broader initiative highlighted in reports from the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, focusing on corruption in critical public sectors like healthcare, education, and employment.
The crackdown has extended beyond education. In the medical sector, around 40,000 individuals faced disciplinary actions, recovering 24.2 billion yuan in misappropriated funds. Similarly, the sports sector saw high-profile cases, including the sentencing of former national men's football team coach Li Tie to 20 years in prison.
Looking ahead, the NCS plans to continue its efforts with special campaigns targeting the supervision of rural revitalization funds, medical insurance management, and elderly care services. These actions aim to restore public trust and ensure the integrity of essential services across the nation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
