The discipline inspection department of Southwest China's Guizhou province recently announced it was canceling the department's "honesty account".

The account was established by the local discipline inspection authorities for officials to deposit money or securities they received as gifts or bribes. Those who deposited their ill-gotten gains in the account would receive a reduced punishment.

At least 17 provinces established such accounts, but six of them have now abolished them, and the others are expected to follow suit.

The honesty accounts have been controversial because some people suppose it is an easy way for corrupt officials to escape punishment. And if those who have profited from graft turn in only part of their illicit gains, they still get their punishment reduced.

The cancellation of the honesty accounts indicates that the central discipline inspection authority has strengthened the anti-corruption campaign and Party members should strictly abide by discipline regulations.