Controversial Clampdown: Chinese county imposes 'bizarre' fines on citizens for unmade beds, unwashed dishes at home

A county government in China has implemented a new system of fines targeting citizens who neglect basic household chores, sparking a nationwide debate. Puge county in Sichuan province, southwest China, has introduced fines ranging from 5 to 20 yuan for various behaviors, including failing to make beds or leaving dishes unwashed. This initiative, titled “Fine Standards for the New Countryside for Human Settlement Environment,” outlines 14 categories of behavior subject to penalties. Aside from the previously mentioned fines, there’s a 5-yuan penalty for intact spider webs and fines ranging from 3 to 10 yuan for clutter or feces in courtyards. The government emphasizes that fines will double for repeat offenses. The vice-director of the village stated that while the fines are still in the drafting stage, the primary objective is to tackle the prevalent issue of “dirty, messy, and disorderly living conditions” in rural homes. Acknowledging that fines alone may not effectively address these problems, the vice-director explained that they are being used as a deterrent. The government intends to reinvest the collected fines back into the community, with specific plans to purchase items like brooms or basins for penalized households. Addressing concerns about the spread of disease due to poor living conditions, a staff member mentioned that Puge county is not the first to impose such fines, emphasizing the difficulty of changing detrimental habits in impoverished regions. The Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, where Puge county is located, often receives attention in Chinese state media for its economic challenges and poverty alleviation efforts. Public opinion on the fines is divided. Some criticize the government’s intrusion into citizens’ lives, questioning the need for inspections on tasks as personal as bed-making. Others, however, argue that these penalties are justified in the context of rural revitalization and poverty alleviation. One observer was quoted in a report saying the town is “making money the right way, and fines are king”. Supporters of fines however were quoted saying that they believe due to the challenging circumstances in impoverished areas, external forces like fines might be necessary to bring about positive changes in customs and habits. (with inputs from agencies)