How is the merger of the Ministry of Information and Communications with the Ministry of Science and Technology carried out?

The process of merging the Ministry of Information and Communications with the Ministry of Science and Technology is not simply merging two ministries but also a reform in the way of organization and working.

Headquarters of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

On the afternoon of December 11, the decision to merge the Ministry of Information and Communications with the Ministry of Science and Technology was made. The two ministries will merge as is, creating a more effective management structure, meeting the requirements of science and technology development and digital transformation in the new era.

The purpose of the merger

The merger of the Ministry of Information and Communications with the Ministry of Science and Technology aims to simplify the administrative apparatus, optimize resources, avoid overlapping tasks and synchronize development policies. With a total of 48 units, of which the Ministry of Information and Communications has 26 units and the Ministry of Science and Technology has 22 units, after the merger, the number of units is expected to decrease to 34. The merger process is not simply merging two ministries but also a reform in the way of organization and work. Streamlining the administrative apparatus is considered a great revolution in state management.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc speaks at a meeting on the merger of the Ministry of Information and Communications with the Ministry of Science and Technology. (Photo: An Dang/VNA)

Name and function

In choosing a name for the new ministry, it is necessary to ensure that it is short and easy to remember, with suggested names such as “Ministry of Technology and Communications” or “Ministry of Science, Technology and Communications.” The name should reflect all the functions and tasks of the two ministries, be meaningful, and have long-lasting vitality to build a brand. The specific functions and tasks will be stipulated in a decree, helping people and organizations easily recognize and fulfill legal obligations.

Process and roadmap for implementing the merger

The Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Science and Technology established a Joint Steering Committee to coordinate the development of the merger project and draft decree. The Steering Committee held its first meeting on December 10. Currently, the two ministries are coordinating the development of drafts and documents as requested by the Government, and the projects to be submitted to the Government, expected to be submitted tomorrow, December 12.

Arrangement of public service units and staff

The arrangement of public service units under the two ministries is also an important part of the merger plan. The Ministry of Information and Communications has 26 units, the Ministry of Science and Technology has 22 units, a total of 48 units. Currently, the two ministries have agreed to reduce the number of units to 34 after the arrangement. At the same time, they have agreed to have a roadmap to arrange 1 press agency of the Ministry (currently there are 2 newspapers: Vietnamnet and Vnexpress). Some units will be retained while some will be reformed or combined to optimize operations. The staff of the two ministries will be arranged according to the principle of ensuring rights and balance, while creating conditions for employees to integrate and develop in the new working environment.

Future and expectations

The ultimate goal of the merger of the Ministry of Information and Communications with the Ministry of Science and Technology is to improve the effectiveness of state management in the field of information and science and technology, thereby promoting innovation and developing technological solutions. This not only supports business operations, but also improves the quality of service to the people and creates favorable conditions for state management agencies. The merger of these two ministries is an important strategic step towards building a streamlined, efficient administrative apparatus that is ready to meet development requirements in the modern context. Therefore, the merger process needs to be carried out carefully, paying attention to related factors and ensuring that the apparatus' operations continue to run smoothly throughout the entire transition process./.