Improving the efficiency of the two-level local government apparatus in Quang Tri

On July 1, 2025, the new Quang Tri province officially came into operation after merging Quang Tri and Quang Binh provinces, marking a major shift in the organization of the local government apparatus. Immediately after the merger, the province resolutely reorganized the administrative system towards streamlining, effectiveness and efficiency. The apparatus at all levels was organized stably and operated synchronously in accordance with the spirit of central resolutions and the direction of the Government.

Immediately after the merger, the People's Committee of Quang Tri province proactively and resolutely directed the work of reorganizing the apparatus, building a two-level local government, focusing on urgent tasks, ensuring stability and general development.

Up to now, the administrative apparatus at all levels has been significantly streamlined. At the provincial level, the number of specialized agencies has been reduced from 27 to 14 (a reduction of 48.14%). Organizations within specialized agencies have been reduced by 45.81%, and administrative organizations and public service units have also been rearranged synchronously and reasonably in the direction of reducing focal points. At the commune level, the whole province currently has 78 administrative units (8 wards, 69 communes, 1 special zone) with stable organizational apparatus immediately after the merger and consolidation.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung visited the Dong Hoi Ward Public Administration Service Center.

Decentralization and delegation of authority have been seriously implemented according to the central government's guidance. The Provincial People's Committee has issued specific documents to facilitate subordinates to proactively carry out their tasks. The work of arranging and assigning cadres, civil servants and public employees has been carried out synchronously and in accordance with procedures. All former district-level cadres and civil servants have been reassigned to the commune level in accordance with practical requirements, thereby promoting their capacity and strengths in each position. In particular, the province has resolved policies for 2,635 cases of resignation or staff reduction, ensuring legitimate rights and contributing to stabilizing the apparatus.

Regarding facilities, the province has reviewed, arranged, and re-arranged offices and facilities to serve the work reasonably. Most of the offices have been arranged in accordance with the new government model, and surplus facilities have been planned for use or liquidation in accordance with regulations.

The system of public administrative service centers at the commune level has been put into stable operation, the decentralization of administrative procedures to the commune level has initially created significant convenience for people and businesses in transactions, ensuring good response to requirements. Information and propaganda work has been implemented synchronously, contributing to creating social consensus, orienting public opinion on the policy of merging and building a 2-level local government model.

In addition to positive results, the process of restructuring the apparatus still has difficulties. Notably, the lack of uniformity in instructions on decentralization and delegation of authority has caused confusion in many localities in management. The number of deputy heads in many agencies still exceeds the regulations due to transitional factors, and needs to be gradually adjusted to ensure both streamlining and stabilizing the staff. In addition, essential fields such as education and health, although lacking in staff, still have to be streamlined according to general requirements, putting great pressure on the grassroots.

In addition, some issues related to public housing and working conditions for those who are transferred or rotated after the merger; technical infrastructure and document digitization, although being paid attention to, are still lacking in synchronization; the volume of documents that need to be edited and digitized is still large, significantly affecting the management and exploitation of administrative data.

The spacious appearance of Dong Hoi ward, Quang Tri province - Photo: Nguyen Hoang

Based on the initial assessment, the People's Committee of Quang Tri province proposed that the central government soon issue guiding documents on decentralization, delegation of power, and organization of local governments at two levels after the merger to create a unified legal basis for implementing tasks. Along with that, the province proposed that the Ministry of Home Affairs take the lead in coordinating with relevant ministries and branches to issue a complete list of job positions in government agencies and units at all levels, creating favorable conditions for the recruitment, arrangement, use and management of cadres, civil servants and public employees. On the other hand, it recommended that the central government soon determine the policy on streamlining the payroll in the public education sector from 2026; at the same time, clarify the roadmap, subjects and scope of streamlining in agencies and public service units, ensuring that it is suitable to the practical needs and conditions of each locality.

Regarding the network of public service units, the province wishes to have specific instructions on the arrangement and reorganization from the central to the communal level, unifying the functions, tasks, powers and job positions of departments, branches and units; issuing support mechanisms for cadres, civil servants and public employees working in remote, border and island areas, especially regarding public housing, financial subsidies and flexible working policies to help cadres feel secure in their work.

To effectively carry out training and professional development for commune-level cadres, civil servants and public employees; innovate cadre work and strengthen inspection and supervision of public service performance, the province proposes that the central government study specific mechanisms for training, recruitment, and placement of suitable cadres with sufficient capacity, qualifications and practical experience; and invest in facilities, headquarters, information technology infrastructure, and commune-level public administration centers.

The organization of the two-level local government apparatus is a correct and necessary policy, in line with the requirements of innovation, streamlining and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of state management. The initial results achieved in Quang Tri have affirmed the sense of responsibility, political determination and consensus of the entire political system, the business community and the people. However, in order for the two-level local government model to operate smoothly and effectively, better serving the requirements of socio-economic development and improving people's lives, it is necessary to have synchronous and timely mechanisms and policies from the central government along with the determination and continuous efforts of the government and people of Quang Tri province in the coming period.

Le Van Uy

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/nang-cao-hieu-qua-hoat-dong-bo-may-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-o-quang-tri-196076.htm