Competitive Salaries for Public Servants: Aligning Compensation with Societal Living Standards

“Development” is not just about per capita income

On the morning of October 30th, speaking at the socio-economic discussion session, delegate Truong Trong Nghia (Ho Chi Minh City) assessed that despite still having shortcomings and mistakes that some individuals and departments had to pay for, looking at the overall picture, the socio-economic achievements of this term are a miracle.

Referring to the goals and solutions for the future, according to delegate Truong Trong Nghia, it can be said concisely: Vietnam must become a developed country by 2045, or even earlier, if we know how to surpass our own limits.

“Of course, it’s essential to understand that ‘development’ is not just about per capita income of $15,000, $20,000, or $25,000, but also about comprehensive development in terms of humanity, culture, society, and ethics,” he said.

To develop, the Ho Chi Minh City delegate believes that we must overcome many significant risks and challenges, among which the risk of falling into the “middle-income trap” is becoming a pressing issue.

The solution to this problem, according to him, is to necessarily shift the growth method and model—developing a knowledge-based economy, digital economy, green economy, and circular economy.

According to the report of the Government and the Economic-Financial Committee, the transformation of the growth model has made progress, but it is still slow and faces many limitations. Out of 27 goals and targets for restructuring the economy in the 2021–2025 period, 5–9 targets are predicted to be difficult to achieve, and 4 targets are certain to fail.

“Therefore, this is a task that the entire political system must focus on resolving right from the beginning of the new term, with strong institutional solutions and the serious implementation of the Party’s strategic resolutions such as Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 62,” Mr. Nghia expressed.

“There is up, there is down; there is in, there is out”

Another significant challenge to overcome, according to delegate Truong Trong Nghia, is the human factor, or in other words, the workforce—the decisive factor in the success or failure of all policies and laws.

The solution to this issue, the delegate proposes that the National Assembly and the Government make a breakthrough decision regarding the income and benefits of this workforce, following the principle: The salary of officials, civil servants, and public employees must be commensurate with the average living standard of society, ensuring they do not become a low-income class.

“Only then can they dedicate themselves fully to their work, without worrying about making a living or needing to take on extra jobs to make ends meet,” he said.

Alongside this, it is necessary to establish a reasonable KPI system, apply deserving rewards, and enforce strict penalties in achieving public service goals. Simultaneously, other adequate benefit policies should be implemented to maximize the potential and inspire the dedication of the current workforce.

“In the new context, training and attracting talent is an urgent and mandatory requirement. Particularly, in the appointment and planning of leadership teams at all levels, it is essential to immediately apply scientific, objective, and transparent standards, criteria, and methods to evaluate and measure real capabilities,” Mr. Nghia stated.

According to him, developed countries view the planning of leadership cadres as a rigorous process of testing and verification—”there is up, there is down; there is in, there is out.” We must boldly utilize and appoint individuals who have proven their real capabilities, have a strong desire to contribute, and possess high public service ethics, regardless of whether they are working in the public or private sector.

Mr. Nghia clarified that historically, during the resistance war, Uncle Ho and our Party utilized many intellectuals, scholars, and officials from the old regime, even entrusting them with significant responsibilities, with some holding high positions such as the President. They did not hesitate to sacrifice and contribute worthy efforts to the country and the nation, even though they were not part of any “planning” and were not Party members.

Also, according to the delegate, Uncle Ho once said: “One principle, ten methods, twenty determinations.” This means that implementation is not just the task of the administrative apparatus but the responsibility of the entire political system, and even the whole society. However, officials, civil servants, and public employees of the Party and the State must be the pioneering and exemplary force.

“We have many correct resolutions, policies, and regulations, but only when these are transformed into reality, into concrete results that bring practical benefits to the people, will the words of the Party and the State truly carry weight. And then, the people and voters will say with confidence and affection: ‘They said it, and they did it… just as they promised,'” delegate Truong Trong Nghia expressed.