Pilot study on merging provincial administrative units

The government has assigned the Ministry of Interior to develop a plan for further restructuring of district and commune-level administrative units; and to conduct pilot studies on restructuring provincial-level administrative units in accordance with the national and local master plans.

This content is outlined in the action program for implementing Resolution 27 of the Central Committee on continuing to build and perfect the socialist rule of law state of Vietnam in the new period, issued by the Government on May 12th.

The policy of piloting the reorganization of provincial-level administrative units was outlined by the Central Government in Resolution 27, November 2022.

The government also assigned the Ministry of Interior to lead the development of the organizational structure plan for the 16th Government. The organization and operation of the government and local authorities will be reformed towards building a people-serving, professional, rule-of-law, and modern administration.

The Ministry of Interior is tasked with evaluating the results of the restructuring of local governments, administrative agencies, and public service units to ensure efficiency and quality; and perfecting the organization of local governments to suit urban, rural, mountainous, island, and special administrative- economic zones. Some localities will reduce the number of government levels as appropriate.

During the period 2019-2021, the whole country reorganized 21 district-level administrative units and 1,056 commune-level administrative units, thereby reducing the number of districts by 8 and communes by 561. The reorganization of district and commune-level administrative units resulted in a reduction of 3,437 commune-level agencies and 429 district-level agencies; streamlining nearly 3,600 commune-level and 141 district-level personnel positions; and reducing budget expenditures during the 2019-2021 period by over 2 trillion VND.

It is projected that by 2025, hundreds more districts and over 1,000 communes nationwide will no longer meet the standards and will need to be reorganized.

The government resolution calls for accelerating administrative reform and improving the quality of cadres, civil servants, and public employees, with three pillars: organizational structure; public service and civil servants; and e-government and digital transformation. Unnecessary procedures that cause inconvenience to citizens and businesses and hinder competition will be eliminated.

The quality of human resources will be improved alongside strong reforms to the civil service and public officials. A lifestyle that upholds the Constitution and the law will be fostered within the administrative system. Some content on the Constitution and the rule of law will be incorporated into the national education system's training programs.

The resolution also outlines the principle that citizens are allowed to do everything that the law does not prohibit; citizens' rights are inseparable from citizens' duties; and the exercise of human rights and citizens' rights must not infringe upon national interests, or the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals.

Viet Tuan

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