Establish a job position framework and salary policy early.

Ensure smooth workflow, avoiding overlap, duplication, or omission of tasks.

Speaking at the discussion session on the implementation of the socio-economic development plan, National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Quoc Han (Ca Mau) stated that the process of restructuring and streamlining the administrative apparatus, and the decentralization and delegation of power, has made noteworthy progress.

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Quoc Han ( Ca Mau ) delivers a speech. Photo: Ho Long

However, the Government Report indicates that some aspects of decentralization remain unclear; there are still obstacles in the decentralization and delegation of power in some areas; and the organization, management, and assignment of tasks are not clearly defined, causing difficulties in implementation.

Delegates pointed out that decentralization in land management, public investment, public assets, infrastructure construction, education, healthcare, etc., is still inconsistent and has not created flexibility and autonomy for localities.

Overview of the meeting. Photo: Quang Khánh

Based on the above situation, delegates proposed that, within the authority of each sector and level, a comprehensive review of all legal documents issued by them should be conducted, and timely amendments, additions, or replacements should be made to align with the mechanisms and policies of the new government; ensuring consistency, smooth operation, and avoiding overlaps, duplications, or omissions of tasks. Strong decentralization of authority should be implemented to local levels regarding matters related to the exercise of citizens' rights and obligations, so that citizens' affairs can be resolved locally, conveniently, and quickly.

Also related to the revolution in restructuring the apparatus, streamlining personnel, and the two-tiered local government model, National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Thi Yen (Ho Chi Minh City) argued that it is necessary to pay attention to ensuring the livelihoods of officials, civil servants, and public employees, ensuring that this group wholeheartedly and fully fulfills their assigned responsibilities and tasks.

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Thi Yen (Ho Chi Minh City) delivers a speech. Photo: Pham Thang

Representatives proposed that the Government should soon develop a framework for job positions, salary policies, and salary scales for all state-salaried employees. This should include allowances for specific positions, sectors, localities, and special circumstances. At the same time, transparency is essential to ensure public awareness and avoid the current situation where each sector and level has its own salary scale, and each specialized law has its own policies.

It was emphasized that the press is the mouthpiece, guiding public opinion, and the fastest and most effective way to implement the Party's guidelines, policies, and resolutions, as well as laws and regulations. Journalists are soldiers on the ideological front; every pen and image is a sharp weapon in various fields. However, this institution has not received adequate attention. At this session, the Press Law was amended, but it is only a framework law. Delegate Nguyen Thi Yen suggested that the Government pay attention and create all conditions for investment in infrastructure, because a beautiful photograph or a great film requires modern equipment. At the same time, training, nurturing, valuing, and providing a salary system for journalists is essential to ensure their job security.

Overview of the session — Overview of the meeting. Photo: Quang Khánh

The rate of decentralization and delegation of power to local authorities has reached over 56%.

In her explanation before the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra stated that the implementation of a two-tiered local government system is a revolution that has fundamentally, thoroughly, and comprehensively changed the philosophy of power organization at the local level, local institutions and governance, organizational thinking, civil service personnel, and management methods, as well as the roles, positions, and relationships between different levels of government.

This represents a shift from administrative management to governance, creation, and service to the people, from a passive, bureaucratic state to an active local governance.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra explains before the National Assembly. Photo: Pham Thang

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized, "This change is enormous, requiring the entire political system and the contingent of officials and civil servants to revolutionize themselves in terms of ideology, psychology, thinking, awareness, working methods, public service spirit, and public service culture."

After four months of operating the two-tiered local government system, compared to its 80-year history, initial difficulties, obstacles, and shortcomings exist. However, we cannot be hasty, nor can we strive for perfection, but we also cannot move slowly. We must make efforts to meet the goals and requirements, without delay, without missing opportunities, and simultaneously work, adjust, and improve in all aspects," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra explains before the National Assembly. Photo: Quang Khanh

It should be emphasized that in the four months of operating the two-tiered local government system, we have achieved great success, namely the successful implementation of a revolution to reorganize the country and restructure the state administrative model. This has been done in a synchronized and comprehensive manner regarding the institutional system and policies. To date, the system has been operating stably, smoothly, continuously, and synchronously, receiving recognition from the people; in particular, many localities have adopted creative, flexible, and timely approaches to resolving emerging issues.

However, since this is a new issue with no precedent, initial difficulties and obstacles are inevitable.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra (VQK_4044) — Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra explains before the National Assembly. Photo: Quang Khanh

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra outlined several key solutions for the coming period. Specifically, these include perfecting the institutional and policy system, continuing to refine fundamental issues regarding organizational structure, staffing, and matters related to the classification and standards of administrative units.

"From now until the end of 2025, we will direct efforts to fundamentally improve the institutional system; many documents will have to wait for practical experience to be developed appropriately," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

At the same time, the Government directed the Ministry of Interior to finalize the job position framework to clearly define job positions, especially at the commune level. It also directed the completion of the conditions and legal basis for allocating personnel quotas for the period 2026-2030.

Delegates at the VQK_3951 session — Delegates attending the session. Photo: Quang Khánh

In the immediate future, localities need to proactively review and assess the structure, and consider ensuring sufficient personnel at the commune level, especially for positions such as finance, land administration, environment, and information technology…

The government has also tasked the Ministry of Interior with developing a plan for training and developing a team of commune-level officials and civil servants until 2030.

Continue reviewing and supplementing the development plans and strategies of each locality, and strengthen resources and design financial mechanisms suitable for the two-tiered local government model. Promote digital transformation, apply AI to public service, and build e-government and digital government… Innovate governance methods, focusing strongly on creation, development, and serving the people.

In addition, localities need to focus on resolving difficulties and obstacles arising within their jurisdiction. Localities must be highly proactive and continue to reduce administrative procedures.

Delegates at the session. Photo: Quang Khánh

Regarding decentralization and delegation of power, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the current rate of decentralization and delegation of power to localities has reached over 56%. The government is also focusing on reassessing the feasibility of decentralization and delegation of power.

Regarding salary policy reform, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that this will be implemented according to a suitable roadmap and steps, within the overall framework of state administrative reform, economic growth, and the state budget's ability to pay. Preparation must be extremely cautious, thorough, and step-by-step, following a reasonable roadmap.

Comment (0)