By Jun Ji-hye
A National Assembly committee has proposed the government make it obligatory for universities to give extra points to scholarship applicants who have completed their mandatory military service.
Sources from the defense ministry said the special committee, tasked with eradicating human rights abuse in the military, asked the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Education consider such a measure to boost the morale of conscripts.
"We received the proposal," said an official from the defense ministry on the condition of anonymity. "The ministry will carefully consider the effectiveness of the idea and consult with relevant ministries."
If introduced, male students who finished their military service would be given extra points when they contend for scholarships.
The committee said the measure will help offer "compensation" to those discharged, given that a number of conscripts are obliged to put their studies on hold to join the armed forces.
All able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for about two years under the nation's conscription system, as the nation is technically at war with North Korea.
However, it remains to be seen whether the system can be actually established as a question over the principle of equity is expected to emerge.
Critics say the system could discriminate against women and the disabled.
The military has been pushing for the similar system to allow conscripts discharged to receive extra points in recruitment exams at public organizations or firms. But the discussion has made slow progress as the plan triggered a public controversy right after being announced on Dec. 18.
The parliamentary committee was set up in November of last year in the wake of a series of tragic accidents in the military including a shooting spree by an Army sergeant who killed five comrades, and the death of a hazing victim, an Army private first class.
The committee completed its activities Friday, making 39 proposals to the government.
Other proposals included instituting an ombudsman program involving civilian monitoring staff under the control of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.
The job of the civilian ombudsman is to keep watch on human rights situations in barracks to help those with difficulties adjusting to military life.
The committee called for giving the ombudsman authority to conduct random visits and inspections in the units.
The military, however, has reacted negatively to the proposal, citing its "distinct characteristics," apparently meaning that it deals with national security and confidential information.
Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye
A National Assembly committee has proposed the government make it obligatory for universities to give extra points to scholarship applicants who have completed their mandatory military service.
Sources from the defense ministry said the special committee, tasked with eradicating human rights abuse in the military, asked the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Education consider such a measure to boost the morale of conscripts.
"We received the proposal," said an official from the defense ministry on the condition of anonymity. "The ministry will carefully consider the effectiveness of the idea and consult with relevant ministries."
If introduced, male students who finished their military service would be given extra points when they contend for scholarships.
The committee said the measure will help offer "compensation" to those discharged, given that a number of conscripts are obliged to put their studies on hold to join the armed forces.
All able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for about two years under the nation's conscription system, as the nation is technically at war with North Korea.
However, it remains to be seen whether the system can be actually established as a question over the principle of equity is expected to emerge.
Critics say the system could discriminate against women and the disabled.
The military has been pushing for the similar system to allow conscripts discharged to receive extra points in recruitment exams at public organizations or firms. But the discussion has made slow progress as the plan triggered a public controversy right after being announced on Dec. 18.
The parliamentary committee was set up in November of last year in the wake of a series of tragic accidents in the military including a shooting spree by an Army sergeant who killed five comrades, and the death of a hazing victim, an Army private first class.
The committee completed its activities Friday, making 39 proposals to the government.
Other proposals included instituting an ombudsman program involving civilian monitoring staff under the control of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.
The job of the civilian ombudsman is to keep watch on human rights situations in barracks to help those with difficulties adjusting to military life.
The committee called for giving the ombudsman authority to conduct random visits and inspections in the units.
The military, however, has reacted negatively to the proposal, citing its "distinct characteristics," apparently meaning that it deals with national security and confidential information.
Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye
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