Lowest Population in South Chungcheong
All-Out Effort to Attract Project Through Countywide Signature Campaign and Resolution Meeting
Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province is mobilizing all residents in an effort to attract the government's "Rural Basic Income Pilot Project," as it faces the reality of its population falling below 30,000 and rapid population aging.
Cheongyang, which has the lowest population among the 15 cities and counties in South Chungcheong Province, is being evaluated as the optimal location that most clearly demonstrates the necessity and effectiveness of the national pilot project. As of August, the population of Cheongyang County was recorded at 29,122.
According to the county on September 29, signature lists have been placed at the county office and town/village offices, and an online electronic signature system using QR codes has also been implemented so that any resident can easily participate.
In addition, the signature campaign is spreading at the village level, creating an atmosphere where "the will of the residents is the future of Cheongyang."
On this day, the county will hold a briefing session and resolution meeting in the main conference room of the county office, with about 80 participants, including the presidents and executives of 19 farmers' organizations.
The participants agreed that the Rural Basic Income is a key solution to address Cheongyang's population decline and aging issues, and reaffirmed their determination that Cheongyang must be selected for the pilot project.
The government's "Rural Basic Income Pilot Project" is a national policy that selects six counties experiencing population decline and provides every resident with 150,000 won per month in local gift certificates.
The project is expected not only to serve as basic livelihood support, but also to revitalize rural society as a whole by improving settlement conditions, encouraging return migration to rural areas, and stimulating consumption.
To attract the project, the county has formed a dedicated task force to develop response strategies, and is also designing a "Cheongyang-style basic income model" that aligns with government policy.
County Governor Kim Donggon emphasized, "The Rural Basic Income is not just support, but an investment in the future and the starting point for regional innovation," adding, "Cheongyang, whose population has fallen below 30,000, is truly the optimal location for the pilot project."
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