BEIJING, Dec. 4 -- Frugality rules are bringing a "new normal" to China's officialdom. They are turning some political attention from ceremony and bureaucracy to solid work.

Two years on, the unabated campaign has proved not to be "a gust of wind" as some believed. Instead, as a long-term task, it has began to be institutionalized by being written into Party rules.

Thursday was the second anniversary of the "eight-point" anti-bureaucracy and formalism ruling. The campaign started on Dec. 4, 2012 to reduce pomp, ceremony, bureaucracy and undesirable work styles.

More than 80,000 officials have been disciplined for dereliction of duty, indiscreet use of public vehicles, using public funds for personal entertainment, laziness, accepting gifts, and a myriad of other offences, as of late September.

The progress made will be maintained only after an institutionalized mechanism is established. So far, rules on reception, conferences and travel have been included in the Communist Party of China (CPC) discipline.

The "eight-point" rules are purifying the country's politics. Old bad habits such as lavish banquets and traffic control during official visits have alienated the masses and cast a vile shadow over the CPC's image.

The campaign has given politicians a breath of fresh air and given both officials and the public a sigh of relief. Officials no longer have to be involved in social engagements. Some applauded the campaign as they can finally spent more time with families.

The frugality rules are the "Sword of Damocles" hanging above those in power. Officials' mentality has gradually changed to be humble and willing to truly serve the people. But of course, some are still adjusting to the "new normal" state.

Despite clean governance efforts, Berlin-based Transparency International still ranked China lower compared with last year in 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index on Wednesday, indicating more serious corruption.

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the index ran against facts, adding the anti-corruption results and resolution have been viewed by the public, who will give an objective evaluation.

Over the last two years, disciplinary watchdogs at all levels have maintained momentum to ensure offenders are named and shamed, which serves as a deterrent to others.

In order to consolidate the campaign's achievement, more details concerning officials' life and work should be institutionalized, such as the number of dishes served in official banquets, in order to prevent the revival of undesirable work styles.

Stricter enforcement and external supervision are also required to boost CPC credibility and public confidence in the fight against corruption.