Presidential Committee on Population Strategy to Expand and Restructure

The Presidential Committee on Low Birth Rate and Aging Society will be expanded and reorganized into the 'Population Strategy Committee.' This aims to move beyond simple measures for low birth rates and aging to establish policies that encompass the entire spectrum of the changing population structure.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the relevant bill passed the National Assembly plenary session, changing the law's name to the 'Basic Law on Population Strategy.' The scope of policy has also broadened to include population imbalances, diverse household types, and international population movements.

The committee's size will increase from up to 25 members to up to 40 members, strengthening its policy planning and coordination functions. Legal grounds have been established for the installation of city/provincial committees to support the promotion of population policies at the local level.

A 'budget pre-consultation system' will be introduced, allowing for prior coordination of population-related projects scattered across various ministries and local governments, and for adjusting investment directions and priorities. The committee will also be granted authority to investigate, analyze, and evaluate population policies.

The revised bill will come into effect three months after its promulgation, with provisions related to the budget pre-consultation system applying from January 1 of next year.