China's Ministry of Education posted a proposal on its website Monday to encourage teachers not to take gifts from students or their parents on Teachers' Day, which is this Friday, the "dahe.cn" reported.

The 'gift-free Teachers' Day proposal, jointly signed by ten schools across China, was the first one of its kind ever to appear on the Ministry of Education's website.

The proposal has four sections, encouraging teachers to become role models devoted to work, imparting knowledge, lifelong learning and integrity. The integrity section tells teachers not to engage in paid tutoring or accept gifts from students or their parents.

With this year's Teachers' Day drawing near, the proposal has attracted wide attention from society.

Some people say Teachers' Day is about showing respect and appreciation for teachers; gift giving is not the only way to represent gratitude.

The proposal also encourages students and parents to choose more meaningful and less controversial ways to express their gratitude to teachers.

Some people say giving gifts on Teachers' Day not only tests the integrity of teachers, but also society's way of establishing interpersonal connections.

As one of the ten schools which signed the proposal, Shandong Experimental School says its teachers are strictly forbidden to take gifts or money from students or parents.

"Instead of giving gifts, students will organize some class parties to express their respect for their teachers," an official from one of the schools said.