As Seoul Districts Enter Midpoint of Custodian Bank Selection, Excessive Subsidy Competition and Rumors of Influence by Specific Individuals Raise Concerns of Controversy
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] As the selection of district treasury banks in Seoul reaches its midpoint, complaints are being raised about excessive competition in contributions and the increasing influence of political power.
According to the districts on the 7th, the selection of district treasury banks in Eunpyeong-gu, Guro-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Gwanak-gu, Songpa-gu, Jongno-gu, and Gangnam-gu has been completed.
Accordingly, as competition for district treasury banks intensifies, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's policy to restrain competition in contributions and interest rates is being seen as ineffective.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety limited the difference between the highest and lowest scores in quantitative evaluation to 2 points to prevent controversies over excessive competition in contributions and money-related disputes.
However, recently, as competition for district treasury banks has become fierce, criticism is rising that contributions are suddenly increasing.
In particular, although the score difference in quantitative evaluation is not large depending on the size of the contribution, it is affecting the qualitative evaluation.
Along with this, the influence of certain politicians is gradually increasing, causing controversy.
In some districts, as this phenomenon becomes apparent, disputes over fair evaluation are likely to arise.
Accordingly, criticism such as 'money feast' and strengthening of 'influence of certain individuals' is expected to arise again.
A district official said, “At first, it seemed that fair screening and evaluation were being conducted, but as it reaches the midpoint, excessive competition and unfair practices seem to be increasing one by one, which is concerning.”
Therefore, opinions have been raised that internal and external screening committee members of the districts need to evaluate fairly from a more objective standpoint, free from any influence.
If fairness collapses, the aftereffects will not easily disappear.
Another district official also warned, “There are rumors that the influence of certain individuals is affecting the selection of district treasury banks, which is absolutely undesirable,” adding, “In such cases, unfavorable speculation will continue for a long time.”
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