Gov't to launch integrated social, welfare policy panel

By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- The government will inaugurate a new presidential
commission on integrated social policies early next year, in a bid to more
efficiently address society-wide conflicts and welfare, as well as unemployment
problems, a presidential aide said Monday.
The commission, which will report directly to President Lee Myung-bak, will be
responsible for coordinating social, welfare and employment policies of various
government ministries and agencies, said the aide.
"One of the Lee government's policy priorities is to create a 'warm society' by
improving the welfare of the underprivileged and promoting social integration.
The new integrated social policy commission due to be launched in January or
February will implement the warm society policy more professionally," the aide
said.
"The presidential commission on national competitiveness is currently in charge
of coordinating inter-ministerial economic policies. In the social, welfare and
employment fields, the new presidential commission will play such a role. It will
also be responsible for dealing with regional, gender and generational
conflicts," he noted.
Lee has steadily called for thorough welfare measures to support victims of the
economic crisis, warning the global economic crisis will last up to three years.
"The financial crisis is expected to increase the number of people falling below
the poverty line next year. The government has to offer a stronger safety net for
these newly impoverished people, and their children should be given opportunities
in education," the president said at a public meeting last week.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)