As Vietnam prepares for significant administrative reorganizations at the commune level, a new policy regarding the preservation of salaries for officials has garnered attention. Starting from January 1, 2025, when certain communes merge, officials who continue their work but do not retain their previous positions will have their salaries and allowances preserved until the end of their election term or the expiration of their appointment term.
This policy is not just a bureaucratic detail; it plays a crucial role in ensuring job security for those impacted by restructuring. Ms. Lê Vân from Hanoi expressed her concerns regarding her brother, who is currently the Chairman of a Commune-level Fatherland Front Committee. When the merger occurs, her brother is set to transition to the position of Vice Chairman of the newly formed committee. She asked, "Căn cứ Điều 12 Nghị quyết số 35/2023/UBTVQH15 về việc sắp xếp đơn vị hành chính cấp huyện, cấp xã giai đoạn 2023-2030, anh của tôi có được bảo lưu tiền lương và phụ cấp của Chủ tịch Ủy ban Mặt trận tổ quốc xã đến hết nhiệm kỳ đại hội không?" (Based on Article 12 of Resolution No. 35/2023/UBTVQH15 on the arrangement of administrative units at the district and commune levels for the period 2023-2030, can my brother preserve his salary and allowances as Chairman of the Commune-level Fatherland Front Committee until the end of his term?)
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the policy is explicitly structured to protect the rights of those who may find themselves in less favorable positions post-merger. The Ministry articulated, "Implement the preservation of regimes and policies on salaries and leadership position allowances for those who continue to work but do not hold their previous positions until the end of the election term (for those who hold positions by election) or the expiration of the term of appointment to leadership and management positions (for those who hold positions by appointment)." This means that as long as an individual maintains their status as a civil servant in the new administrative structure, they are eligible for salary preservation.
However, the Ministry specified that not all transfers guarantee this benefit. For instance, if Ms. Lê Vân's brother, who will be moving from a leadership role to a non-elected position, does this, he would not qualify for salary preservation under the current guidelines. The regulations stipulate that only officials who remain in an active capacity within the reorganized entities can benefit from this protection. Therefore, those who are demoted or shifted to non-specialized roles may not receive the same support.
The broader implications of this policy reflect a commitment to ensuring stability within Vietnam's civil service, especially during periods of significant change. By safeguarding salaries and allowances, the government aims to mitigate the potential anxiety that comes with administrative mergers, encouraging efficiency and commitment among public servants.
As administrative units undergo reform, it becomes essential for locals to understand these new regulations—especially those directly impacted. The resolution clarifies how individuals like Ms. Lê Vân's brother can navigate their roles during such transitions and highlights the safeguards in place aimed at protecting their financial well-being.
Looking ahead, the implementation of this policy will likely impact not only the personnel involved but also the communities they serve. Officials who feel secure in their positions may be more motivated to engage positively with their constituents and support the effective management of their areas—key goals as Vietnam progresses through its ambitious administrative restructuring.
The resolution and the associated policies provide a framework for how Vietnam can address the complexities of governance while ensuring its officials remain supported amid change. The forthcoming changes at the commune level promise to reshape how governance is approached in the years to come as the nation strives to evolve and improve its public administration system.
