The Dalian Supervision Bureau under the Ministry of Finance is implementing a multi-pronged regulatory model to enhance the efficiency and compliance of central transfer payments. The approach is summarized as “four-plus” strategies.
In terms of methods, the bureau integrates foundational institutional building with technological tools. It has aligned with the latest policies and local conditions to compile a full list of transfer payment projects, formulating operational procedures covering the entire process from fund allocation to performance evaluation. Using the central budget management integration system, it has established a monitoring network combining online tracking and on-site verification, enabling real-time detection of anomalies such as spending delays or idle funds. Additionally, by opening data interfaces with local finance, tax, and central bank branches, the bureau regularly compares budget indicators, treasury payments, and bank account information to support risk scanning in key areas and large-value funds.
Performance management is another core element. In critical sectors like education, healthcare, and elderly care, the bureau not only reviews whether fund allocation aligns with central policy and local needs but also adheres to the principle that “every expenditure must be effective, and ineffectiveness leads to accountability.” Through spot checks of self-evaluations, it issues warning letters for projects with deviated targets or wasted funds, and requires a closed loop of evaluation, feedback, rectification, and improvement. For projects and regions with excellent performance, it recommends preferential treatment in subsequent allocations; for those with poor performance and inadequate rectification, it advises reducing or canceling similar funding.
To break down departmental barriers, the bureau builds a collaborative framework across vertical and horizontal lines. Vertically, it maintains regular reporting to relevant departments of the Ministry to ensure consistent policy execution. Horizontally, it has set up joint meetings and information-sharing mechanisms with municipal finance, education, and medical insurance departments. For recurring issues, it helps grassroots units standardize operations through policy briefings, training, and case warnings. It also tracks rectified problems to extend solutions from individual cases to entire categories.
On fund security, the bureau combines prevention with deterrence. It maintains dynamic monitoring ledgers for full-lifecycle tracking of transfer payments, and promptly alerts units through calls, letters, or interviews when signs of slow spending or weak project implementation emerge. For serious violations like fraudulent claims or misappropriation, it conducts targeted and in-depth inspections, followed by review and closed-loop management of rectifications. Moreover, it pushes relevant units to strengthen internal controls and funding rules, using external oversight to drive the establishment of internal controls and reduce the risk of violations at the source.