"Education Instead of Punishment" Incheon Seo-gu Introduces 'Alternative Disciplinary System' to Protect Junior Public Officials

Incheon Seo-gu is set to introduce an 'Alternative Disciplinary System' that allows junior public officials with low work proficiency to enhance their capabilities through education instead of facing disciplinary action for simple mistakes.

Councillor Hong Soon-seo (People Power Party, Geomdan, Bullo Daegok, Wondang, Ara-dong) examined the specific requirements and operational methods of the newly proposed 'Alternative Disciplinary System for Reprimands and Warnings' during the report on the Audit Office's work at the Planning and Administration Committee meeting of the 278th Temporary Session held on the 3rd, urging for the system's successful implementation.

Through inquiries, Councillor Hong specifically questioned whether the new alternative disciplinary system applies only to simple work incompetence and how attendance is managed during the training period.

In response, a district official explained, "The proportion of public officials with less than five years of experience in Seo-gu is as high as one-third of the total, and among the major issues identified in internal audits, only non-intentional work incompetence will be subject to 20 hours of job training instead of reprimands or warnings, aiming to boost morale and enhance practical capabilities simultaneously."

In particular, regarding the training period, the policy is to handle it as an extension of official duties through a 'training appointment' format, thereby minimising administrative gaps.

Councillor Hong mentioned that the system has not been activated in other local governments and urged for Seo-gu to produce differentiated results. The district stated, "Currently, some areas, including Chungcheongnam-do, are preparing guidelines, but they are not in the activation stage," and added, "Seo-gu will fully implement this from March, focusing on preventing repeated issues due to work incompetence."

Councillor Hong emphasised, "It is positive that junior public officials will have the opportunity to grow into professionals through education rather than being discouraged by excessive disciplinary actions," and requested that the system be operated diligently in line with its intended purpose.