Supporting localities in implementing policies after the merger

During the implementation of the two-tier local government model, many localities have encountered practical difficulties related to organizational structure, personnel, technical infrastructure, and administrative procedures. In response, central ministries and agencies have proactively deployed officials to the grassroots level, working directly with communes, wards, and special zones to help resolve difficulties, ensuring smooth and effective operation of the apparatus.

The arrangement and operation of the two-tier local government is considered a revolution in organizational structure, restructuring the administrative system to gain new momentum and confidence for entering a new era: an era of development, prosperity, and civilization. The operation process has yielded positive results and is basically stabilizing. However, human resources at the grassroots level are currently both excessive and insufficient, with limitations in professional qualifications as well as technological skills.

Recently, central ministries and agencies have decided to assign officials to assist localities in operating the two-tier government. The Ministry of Science and Technology has sent 12 working delegations to 34 provinces and cities to conduct surveys, provide guidance, and support digitalization, decentralization of management, and data processing after the merger. Many localities have completed connecting dedicated networks to the commune level, synchronized one-stop-shop software, and achieved a digitization rate of over 90% for administrative records.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade assigned 34 senior officials from its departments and agencies to localities, working directly with provincial Departments of Industry and Trade to address issues related to market management, licensing, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Justice have also organized intensive training courses for commune-level officials, developed professional Q&A handbooks, and guided administrative procedure handling in the new context. This step clearly demonstrates the spirit of a service-oriented government, bringing policies closer to practical implementation.

The Government has just issued Resolution No. 268 on the implementation and operation of the two-tier local government model, assessing achievements, identifying shortcomings, and setting out immediate tasks for the coming period. Accordingly, efforts will continue to ensure the effective operation of the two-tier administrative apparatus, maintaining stability and smoothness, and better serving both citizens and businesses.

Duc Anh