150 Billion KRW Government Budget Allocated for 1st Leading Project
Budget Policy Office Delays Processing Amid Ruling and Opposition Confrontation
Starting with Short-Term Tasks Among Leading Projects... Increased Momentum
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] A government budget of 150 billion KRW has been allocated for the first leading project of the Digital Platform Government, a core policy of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. As the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties continues, the overall budget approval from the National Assembly Budget Office is delayed, so the committee plans to prioritize the detailed projects first.
On the 15th, the Presidential Commission on the Digital Platform Government held its 2nd plenary meeting to present major policy projects being promoted by each ministry and discuss future policy directions. A government budget of 150.3 billion KRW was allocated for the first leading project, which aims for achievement by 2025. Notable projects among the leading tasks include opening public data portal access to subscription information for sale and rental housing, issuing mobile driver’s licenses for digital wallets, and simplifying claims for indemnity insurance payments. The plan to reform the export performance certification system to simplify corporate trade finance applications is also expected to benefit companies. To simplify indemnity insurance claims, which is of high public interest, a ‘Healthcare Leading Project Task Force (TF)’ was formed. Fourteen members from related organizations including the Financial Services Commission, Ministry of Health and Welfare, medical community, and insurance industry collaborated.
The committee will accelerate short-term projects first. Eleven projects will proceed, including integrated subscription information inquiry and application services via private apps next year, export-import MyData comprehensive platform services, and a one-stop pilot service for soldiers’ experience through the Nara Sarang Portal. Tasks requiring legal enactment or revision and platform construction, such as risk alerts and childcare meal-related projects, were selected as mid- to long-term projects.
API standardization will enable services previously available only on public apps, such as SRT train ticket reservations, vehicle inspection appointments, and natural recreation forest reservations, to be accessible via private apps as well. Efforts will also be made to minimize unnecessary paper documents wasted during national research and development (R&D) processes and to digitally transform government personnel administration.
Ko Jin, Chairperson of the Digital Platform Government Commission, stated, "Even before the roadmap for the Digital Platform Government is established, each ministry needs to promptly promote policies that align with the principles and directions of the Digital Platform Government," adding, "The commission will fully implement the Digital Platform Government through the establishment of the roadmap, targeting the first quarter of next year."
Meanwhile, the total budget for implementing the Digital Platform Government is 405 billion KRW, which has been reflected in the budget proposals of the main ministries including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. It is currently awaiting final approval from the National Assembly. The National Assembly is expected to finalize the 2023 government budget on the 15th. A government official said, "We expect the budget will not be significantly cut."
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