Gwangju Seo-gu Selects 6 Outstanding Regulatory Reform Ideas

Published 19 May.2023 15:33(KST)

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Kim Ikang) held the ‘2023 Regulatory Reform Idea Contest’ to discover and improve regulations that cause inconvenience in economic activities and residents' daily lives, ultimately selecting six outstanding works.

Seo-gu announced on the 19th that 166 ideas were submitted as a result of the contest held in March targeting residents and public officials, and after a review by the relevant departments, the final evaluation was conducted by the Regulatory Reform Committee on the 12th.

Photo of the Regulatory Reform Committee [Photo by Seogu]

The grand prize was awarded to Kim Youngju, team leader of the Child and Youth Division in Seo-gu, for the idea titled ‘Easing the Application Method for the Independence Allowance for Youth Preparing for Independence.’

Team Leader Kim stated, “The independence allowance, which supports youth preparing for independence (children who have aged out of protective care) for up to 60 months to alleviate their economic burden and help them settle stably in society, currently requires applications to be made only at the resident registration address, causing many inconveniences such as applicants being unable to even submit their applications.” He proposed, “Let’s allow applications from anywhere nationwide to help these youth settle stably in society.”

The excellence awards went to O Mijeong, administrative officer of the Audit Office in Seo-gu, for the idea ‘Registration of Disability Types for Persons with Combined Visual and Hearing Disabilities,’ and to Jo Miyeong, team leader of the Health Promotion Division, for the idea ‘Expanding Tax Credit Application for Education Expenses of Elementary, Middle, and High School Students.’

Officer O said, “Persons with combined visual and hearing disabilities are not included in the disability types, resulting in insufficient tailored welfare services and support.” She added, “Let’s include combined visual and hearing disabilities in the disability types to provide customized welfare services.”

Team Leader Jo explained, “During year-end tax settlement for wage earners, education expense tax credits for elementary, middle, and high school children are available up to 3 million KRW, but tuition fees for private academies and sports facilities are excluded from the deduction.” She suggested, “Let’s expand the deductible education expenses to include tuition fees for academies and sports facilities.”

The encouragement awards were given to Kim Dongwook, team leader of the Accounting Information Division, for the idea ‘Expanding Fee Exemptions for Certificates for Recipients and National Merit Recipients,’ Kim Soyoung, administrative officer of the Infectious Disease Control Division, for ‘Abolishing Income Criteria and Procedure Frequency Limits to Expand Support for Infertile Couples’ Treatment Costs,’ and Lim Jigyun, team leader of the Welfare Benefits Division, for ‘Reducing Turnover by Recognizing Seniority for Drivers at Social Welfare Facilities.’

Seo-gu evaluated the ideas based on creativity, feasibility, and effectiveness, and six outstanding proposers will receive monetary rewards along with incentives in the form of performance points.

Additionally, those who passed the first round of evaluation will be awarded effort and prolific contributor prizes.

Seo-gu plans to recommend ideas involving legal or institutional improvements from the first-round passers to central government ministries, and for ideas that can be internally addressed, the relevant departments will review and revise regulations accordingly.

Kwok Hyunmi, Vice Mayor and Chairperson of the Regulatory Reform Committee, said, “Regulations are essential for public interest and social stability, but as the paradox of regulation suggests, excessive or unrealistic regulations often hinder our daily lives and business activities.” He added, “We will continue to promote regulatory innovation administration utilizing collective intelligence, as demonstrated by this contest.”