Handing over public assets after arrangement: Clear, responsible, no loss

Handing over public assets after arrangement: Clear, responsible, no loss

How are public assets handled when localities merge or split?

To meet practical requirements in the reorganization of administrative units at all levels, on May 15, 2025, the Ministry of Finance issued Official Dispatch No. 6606/BTC-QLCS. This Official Dispatch provides specific guidance on the inventory, handover and receipt of public assets, an important step to ensure that the operation of the state apparatus is not interrupted after changes in administrative boundaries.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance identified three groups of assets that need special attention: infrastructure assets invested by the State, assets with established ownership rights of the entire people, and assets of projects using State capital.

First of all, all agencies and organizations subject to reorganization must conduct a complete inventory of the assets they are managing or temporarily managing. This list will be the basis for drawing up a handover record, which clearly states the participants, list of assets, related documents and responsibilities of the parties.

The Ministry of Finance emphasized that the receiving unit must fully perform the function of managing and using assets in accordance with regulations; absolutely not interrupt public services, and at the same time prevent all risks of waste and loss of public assets during the transition process.

Regarding infrastructure assets, the Ministry's guidance is divided into three levels: Commune level: The new commune-level administrative unit will receive all assets from the old commune. In case the locality is divided, the assets will be allocated according to the new boundaries; if necessary, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee has the right to decide on the specific receiving unit; District level: Assets such as irrigation infrastructure, markets, etc. will be managed by the new commune if located in the commune's area. The remaining assets will be compiled and reported by the District People's Committee for the Provincial People's Committee to decide on the assignment to the appropriate unit; Provincial level: Also according to the inheritance principle, the new province after the arrangement will receive and manage all assets from the old province.

Regarding assets that are established as public ownership - a type of asset with a special nature, the handover is also clearly divided. For assets managed by commune-level units, if the processing has not been completed before the arrangement, the new commune will receive it. In case the old commune is split, the provincial People's Committee will determine the receiving unit.

District or provincial level assets will also be transferred to the new unit after the reorganization. If the assets are managed by a central agency that is dissolved during the reorganization, the head of the superior agency will decide on the appropriate receiving unit.

State capital projects, temporary accounts: handle thoroughly, avoid waste

For assets that are products of projects using state capital, the Ministry of Finance believes that these assets often have great value and long-term impact on the community, therefore, the Ministry of Finance proposes three specific situations for handling, ensuring continuity and transparency.

Assets serving project activities: Continue to implement according to previous guidance documents (No. 13749, 2454 and 4891 of the Ministry of Finance).

Assets are the result of a completed project if the project has clearly identified the beneficiaries: The management board or investor must complete the handover, providing full information on the value so that the recipient can easily account for and use it.

If the beneficiary is not yet determined, it is necessary to report to the competent authority for instructions on handling. In case the handling is not completed at the time of administrative arrangement, the principles specified in the section on public property shall apply.

For unfinished projects, follow Official Dispatch No. 4738/BTC-TH dated April 14, 2025 of the Ministry of Finance on guidance on transitional management of programs, tasks, projects, and public investment plans during the process of arranging and perfecting the organization of the 2-level local government apparatus.

In addition, an equally important content is the management of temporary accounts at the State Treasury. Accounts held by the District Finance and Planning Department to manage revenues related to public assets must be transferred to the Department of Finance as the new account owner.

This is to unify management points, avoid overlap and create favorable conditions for agencies and organizations to make payments for arising costs.

After receiving the money, the Department of Finance will be responsible for managing and using it in accordance with legal regulations, ensuring the right purpose and transparency in budget use.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/ban-giao-tai-san-cong-sau-sap-xep-ro-rang-trach-nhiem-khong-de-that-thoat-10225051612224677.htm