According to Professor Tran Ngoc Duong, the rearrangement of administrative units is not simply to streamline the apparatus but also to create new momentum for development.
On January 24, 2025, the Party Central Committee issued Conclusion No. 121-KL/TW on summarizing the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, continuing to innovate and reorganize the apparatus of the political system towards streamlining, effective and efficient operations.
One of the important contents emphasized is the rearrangement of administrative units, reduction of intermediate administrative levels, expansion of development space and strengthening of local resources. This policy not only creates favorable conditions for state management but also opens up opportunities for localities to maximize their development potential.
However, this is also a major change, posing many challenges in implementation. Professor Tran Ngoc Duong - former Deputy Head of the National Assembly Office, senior expert of the Institute of Legislative Studies of the National Assembly of Vietnam, who has many years of experience in the field of administrative and legislative organization, shared his insights with Cong Thuong Newspaper on this issue.
More than just mechanical changes
According to Professor Tran Ngoc Duong, the rearrangement of administrative units is not simply to streamline the apparatus but also to create new momentum for development.
He analyzed: “ In history, Vietnam has made many adjustments to its administrative units, such as merging Ha Tay province into Hanoi, separating Ha Nam - Nam Dinh province, or rearranging commune-level administrative units. These changes, if implemented on a scientific basis and with a reasonable roadmap, will bring positive results .”
 |
| Professor Tran Ngoc Duong. Photo: Quoc Chuyen |
The biggest advantage of reducing the number of intermediaries, according to Professor Tran Ngoc Duong, is: " The apparatus is more streamlined, reducing operating costs, and enhancing unified management capabilities. When there are no longer too many cumbersome administrative units, development planning will also be more synchronous and effective ."
However, the Professor also emphasized the challenges of this process. Accordingly, the biggest problem is how to ensure that the new government still operates effectively, without causing disruption to management and people's lives.
" If the merger is carried out without careful preparation in terms of personnel, finance and operating mechanisms, it could lead to confusion in management, causing difficulties for local authorities and people, " he said.
Change to grow
One of the biggest concerns that many people are concerned about and share their opinions about is that reducing the number of intermediaries will increase the gap between the government and the people. However, according to Professor Tran Ngoc Duong, this is not a problem if there is a suitable mechanism.
“ The problem is not whether to abolish or maintain the district level, but how to reorganize the administrative apparatus. If we promote decentralization, enhance the role of commune-level authorities and apply digital technology to administrative management, this concern can be completely resolved, ” said Professor Tran Ngoc Duong.
 |
| Professor Tran Ngoc Duong talks with reporters of Industry and Trade Newspaper |
He cited the experience of many countries around the world, where the central government has been reduced but in return, the local government has been given more power, while technology is applied to ensure that all administrative transactions are smooth and transparent. If this is done well, it will not only help streamline the apparatus but also improve the quality of service to the people.
“ The rearrangement of administrative units is not a mechanical reform, but a strategic step to improve management capacity, optimize resources and create momentum for development. To do that, careful preparation of institutions, organizations and people is needed. At the same time, collecting people's opinions and feedback from reality is a key factor to ensure consensus and feasibility of policies ,” Professor Tran Ngoc Duong shared.
According to the Professor, this spirit needs to be thoroughly understood in the reform process: Not change for change's sake, but change to have a stronger, more effective administrative system, better serving the people and promoting the country's sustainable development.
On March 12, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision 571/QD-TTg establishing the Steering Committee to implement the arrangement and reorganization of administrative units at all levels and build a 2-level local government organization model. |
Source: https://congthuong.vn/giao-su-tran-ngoc-duong-sap-nhap-de-toi-uu-nguon-luc-tao-da-phat-trien-378831.html
Comment (0)