Civil servants to face tougher discipline in 2010: ministry

Civil servantsBy Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The government will tighten discipline in the public
sector and step up efforts to stamp out corruption in the New Year, the public
administration ministry said Wednesday.
In a report on its key 2010 policies to President Lee Myung-bak, the ministry
said government employees will be subject to stricter discipline in the new year,
as a series of corruption scandals involving public officials have undermined
public confidence in the government.
Under the new rules, any government employee, if sentenced to a fine of over 3
million won (US$2,566) for embezzlement charges, will be forced to retire and
barred from being hired by other state-run organizations, a ministry officials
said.
The government will also seek to enhance transparency in state-sponsored
construction projects and revoke all contracts awarded in an illicit manner, they
said, adding electronic monitoring of state-issued permits and approvals will be
strengthened.
To combat cyber crimes, the authorities will introduce a system offering a reward
of up to 20 million won to anyone who reports cyber criminals. A "cyber
investigation working group" will be created with the United States to swiftly
deal with any international cyber terrorism, the ministry said.
The government also unveiled a plan to enhance its ability to handle traffic
accidents and fires. The plan includes introducing a standard speed limit for
cars in residential areas and increasing by five times the current 2 million won
ceiling for fines levied on building owners who fail to install fire safety
equipment.
sshim@yna.co.kr
(END)