A recent fine standard issued by the village committee of Pujizhen, Puge county, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, has sparked controversy.Photo: web

A recent fine standard issued by the village committee of Pujizhen, Puge county, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, has sparked controversy. The standard includes fines for behaviors such as not washing dishes, not folding the bedding in the bedroom, and not cleaning living-room floor. 

According to media reports, a village committee official stated that the fine standard was indeed issued, but it is still in the discussion stage among the villagers. Some people support it while others oppose it. It can only be implemented after the villagers agree and it becomes a village regulation. 

Another media report quoted a staff member from the Puge county government, who said that the fine standard was issued by the township government, and the collected fees would be used for the placement of garbage bins and other facilities for the residents. 

The fine standard consists of six categories and 14 items. For example, it stipulates a fine of 10 yuan for not washing dishes and 20 yuan for eating on the floor; a fine of 20 yuan for a dirty and messy bathroom; fines of 3 yuan, 5 yuan, or 10 yuan for a messy living room, and a fine of 10 yuan for dirty floor.

The fine standard also states that "if the violation persists after being fined, the fine will double upon the second inspection." Experts have pointed out that, according to relevant regulations, neither the village committee nor the township government has the authority to make such punishments or set fines. Village regulations and agreements can make certain moral and lifestyle requirements of villagers, but they are not legally binding.