ID numbers for all would aid disaster relief
A proposal to assign all residents of this country identification numbers that would be linked to information detailing their use of social security services, personal income and more has taken a new step toward realization.
A joint panel of the government and Democratic Party of Japan has compiled an outline of such an ID number system, which the panel aims to use as the basis for legislation.
The ID number system is designed for use in relation to pensions, medical and nursing care services, taxation and more.
The ID numbers are seen by the panel as necessary for the implementation of radical reforms to the social security and tax systems, which are being planned in response to Japan's rapidly graying society and low birthrate. The numbers also could improve delivery of social welfare services.
Regarding the security of personal information--an issue raised by many who question the wisdom of introducing ID numbers--the panel has called for the creation of a third-party body to oversee management of the system, and for tougher penalties to be imposed on officials who leak personal information or misuse the system.
Legislation of a special law to prevent medical data linked to a person's ID number from being divulged has also been proposed by the panel.
===
Reduce rigmarole
With a view to launching the ID number system in January 2015, the government plans to submit a set of related bills to the Diet as early as the extraordinary session this autumn. Preparations must be made steadily, while ensuring maximum security for personal information.
The panel's outline suggests how the ID numbers could be useful in times of disaster, citing situations seen in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
For instance, provision of health care services to disaster victims could be improved if information about their medical and nursing care histories could be easily accessed via their ID numbers, the outline says.
The system could also smooth the process of applying for support benefits after a disaster, as victims would not need to obtain as much supporting documentation--the facts could be verified via their ID numbers.
The system would also make it easy for disaster victims to continue receiving government support if they relocate, according to the outline.
The great importance of administrative organizations being able to access residents' personal data in an emergency has been made clear in the wake of the March 11 disaster.
===
Complementary to Juki Net
The existing resident registration network, known as Juki Net, enables administrative organizations to access individuals' data from a remote location. Juki Net data are stored on servers maintained by prefectural governments, which meant municipal governments whose resident registers were unavailable after March 11 could still check the records of local residents.
Some disaster victims who decided to relocate to a new area after the disaster were unable to obtain relocation certificates from their municipal governments. But in many cases, the local governments of the areas they relocated to were nevertheless able to register them as new residents by confirming their identities via Juki Net.
Currently, data registered with Juki Net are limited to basic information such as name, address, date of birth, resident registration number and the date they moved to or away from the area concerned.
If the proposed ID number system is introduced, and people's basic information is thus linked to their social security details and tax records, it will certainly improve authorities' ability to provide support in emergency situations.
Disasters can occur at any time, possibly in the near future. The ruling and opposition parties should cooperate to ensure the realization of the ID number system.
Use every option available to ensure economic rebound
Can the Japanese economy get back on its feet after the heavy blow dealt by the Great East Japan Earthquake and achieve a "V-shaped recovery"?
The economy faces a critical phase.
The Tankan survey for June, released by the Bank of Japan on Friday, showed business sentiment among companies has significantly worsened.
The business confidence index declined to minus 9 among major manufacturers, falling into negative territory for the first time in 15 months. The index among major nonmanufacturers fell to minus 5.
The disaster's impact was not reflected in the quarterly survey for March, but it was clearly shown in the latest survey. Production of automobiles and other items was seriously affected as many factories were damaged in the disaster. Consumption was sluggish as a mood of self-restraint enveloped many consumers. It was inevitable that business sentiment would cool temporarily.
However, there was a ray of good news: Large companies expect business sentiment will improve in the next three months.
The economy has certainly begun to pick up. Production that fell sharply after the March 11 disaster increased for two consecutive months through May. Exports and consumption also stopped declining. This likely was the result of private companies doing everything they could to restore production facilities and parts supply systems.
===
Concerns remain
Even so, concerns remain over whether the economy is heading for a full-fledged recovery. The government and the Bank of Japan need to make every possible effort in their policy steering in this regard.
The most worrisome issue is a shortage of electricity triggered by accidents at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
Starting Friday, TEPCO and Tohoku Electric Power Co. started limiting some customers' power use by up to 15 percent compared with last summer's level. Kansai Electric Power Co. also has asked customers to cut their power use.
Even if consumer demand recovers, makers cannot boost production if there is not enough power to operate their factory lines.
If power generation is increased at thermal power plants to meet electricity demand, power bills would shoot up to cover the cost of high-priced fuel used at these plants. Domestic production costs could increase as a result.
The strong yen, which has been hovering at about 80 yen against the dollar, also is a headwind for the economy. An increasing number of companies are moving plants abroad because they are losing money in their export businesses.
===
Everyone must chip in
The hollowing out of the industry sector must be arrested before it is too late. The government should assiduously work to enable the resumption of operations at nuclear power plants and take steps to counter the yen's appreciation.
Private companies also need to help themselves. We hope each company makes innovative efforts by reviewing production systems and improving efficiency to overcome power shortages and rising costs.
Reconstruction work in disaster-hit areas, which is expected to stimulate the economy, has been considerably delayed. There is no prospect in sight for the government to secure budget funds vital for implementing full-scale reconstruction projects.
Any economic policy slipup that destroys the budding recovery must be avoided.
To tap the vigor of other Asian nations whose economies are rapidly growing, the government should soon decide to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
0 comments:
Post a Comment