On May 19, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh worked with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ leaders on two crucial agendas: reviewing and drafting decrees on delineating state management authority in the home affairs domain under the two-tier local government model and drafting decrees on decentralization and deconcentration in executing specific tasks in the home affairs sphere. The meeting aimed to streamline government functions and empower local authorities.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh. Source: VGP |
Approximately 20 decrees on decentralization and deconcentration are expected to be issued. Minister of Home Affairs, Pham Thi Thanh Tra, reported that her Ministry had scrutinized specialized laws, ordinances, decrees, resolutions, decisions of the Prime Minister, and circulars under their jurisdiction to formulate the aforementioned decrees.
Their review identified 206 tasks and authorities proposed for delineation between the two tiers of local government and for decentralization and deconcentration in the home affairs domain. Specifically, there are 161 items, tasks, and authorities pertaining to the People’s Committee at the district level, with 129 tasks and authorities being transferred from the district to the commune level and 32 from the district to the provincial level.
Additionally, 45 remaining tasks and authorities are suggested for decentralization and deconcentration. The Minister emphasized their focus on promptly issuing the two decrees and consulting on other decrees to concretize relevant laws, such as the Law on Local Government Organization, the Law on Employment, the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants, and the amended Decree 98/2023.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh affirmed that he, along with the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Justice, would collaborate with other ministries to promulgate around 20 decrees on decentralization and deconcentration. These decrees are crucial for the new government apparatus to function effectively from July 1, as per the Political Bureau’s directive.
 Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Do Duc Duy. Source: VGP |
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chaired a hybrid meeting with several ministries, sectors, and localities to discuss the implementation of decentralization and delineation of authority in the fields of agriculture and the environment under the two-tier local government model.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized that the process of decentralization and delineation of authority is being realized through amendments to significant laws, such as the Law on Government Organization and the Law on Local Government Organization. These two laws establish general principles regarding the functions and tasks of the Government and local governments.
However, in practice, there are hundreds of other specialized laws that also stipulate specific tasks for the Government, ministries, sectors, and localities. He stressed that only those tasks that are clear, well-defined, and have the necessary conditions for implementation should be decentralized or delegated. For tasks that require further evaluation and lack sufficient basis, a cautious approach should be taken, avoiding hasty revisions to laws or inclusion in decrees.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pham Hai Long, elaborated on the principles of decentralization and delineation of authority post the elimination of the district level. Tasks directly related to citizens and businesses will be transferred to the commune level, while those involving coordination, synthesis, or larger-scale will be assigned to the provincial level.
Tasks currently under the authority of the Government, the Prime Minister, or ministers (as stipulated in specialized laws) will be decentralized to local governments if the necessary conditions are met.
Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Do Duc Duy, mentioned that three decrees are being formulated concerning delineation of authority, decentralization, and delegation of authority in the fields of agriculture and the environment. These include delineation of authority in land management, delineation of authority in other areas, and decentralization and delegation of authority in the remaining areas.
In the realm of land management, the Ministry proposes transferring 65 out of 66 authorities from the district to the commune level. The remaining authority, pertaining to inter-communal water bodies such as large lakes, will be transferred to the provincial level to ensure uniform management.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha concludes the meeting. Source: VGP
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Concluding the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized the imperative of establishing clear principles and criteria for decentralization and delegation of authority, especially in specialized areas like agriculture and the environment.
He asserted that tasks related to general mechanisms, policies, laws, strategies, and national-level projects in areas such as national security, defense, and foreign affairs should remain under the purview of the Central Government, the Government, or the Prime Minister.
Administrative regulations, technical standards, and norms can be delegated to ministers or heads of sectors. Tasks with specific local implementations, devoid of inter-provincial or inter-sectoral elements, are more suitably assigned to the provincial level. The principle of “localizing tasks that are closest to the people, practical, and capable” should be upheld.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha also highlighted that decentralization must be accompanied by concrete implementation conditions. When local governments are entrusted with new responsibilities, corresponding adjustments in organizational structure, human resources, equipment, and funding should be made.
He asserted, “Only decentralize when there is a sufficient legal basis and supporting tools such as planning, standards, and norms. Conversely, for matters where central agencies have not finalized aspects like norms and standards, delegation to local governments is not feasible, and further consideration and calibration are necessary.”
NGUYET THO – 8:35 PM, MAY 19, 2025
The Transition to a Two-Tier Government: A Landmark in Vietnam’s Legislative History
“According to Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra, the government is committed to issuing 25 decrees to ensure the timely implementation of the two-level local administration. This decisive action underscores the government’s dedication to establishing a streamlined and efficient governance structure.”
Seeking Public Opinion on Constitutional Amendments: An Urgent Call for Action
“Agencies tasked with this important duty must excel at aggregating public opinion and feedback. They should ensure that all voices are heard and that the aggregation process is thorough and impartial. This comprehensive approach is key to accurately reflecting the sentiments of the people.”
“Legislative Body Discusses Matters Pertaining to Officials, Civil Servants, and Local Government Organizations”
The legislative agenda continues with a full-house session on May 14, where lawmakers will deliberate on the Local Government Organization Law and amendments to the Civil Servants Law, among other significant matters.
The Challenges of Decentralization: A Heavier Burden for Local Governments?
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“This is a time for exceptionally high standards in national governance, building modern local governments, and creating an efficient and effective machinery of state. We aim to reform the civil service,” emphasized Minister of Home Affairs, Pham Thi Thanh Tra.
The Ministry of Home Affairs Proposes Provincial People’s Committees to Decide on Regional Minimum Wages
The Provincial People’s Committee shall take into account the socio-economic conditions of each commune and ward to select and decide on the application of specific regional minimum wage levels for these areas.
