On May 8, 2025, the People’s Council of Nghe An province convened its 29th session to discuss and approve a significant resolution aimed at restructuring local administrative units. This session focused on amendments to Resolution No. 09, initially issued on April 28, 2025, which outlined the plan for the arrangement of administrative units at the commune level within the province.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including Nguyen Duc Trung, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and other members of the Provincial Party Committee and the People’s Council. Hoang Nghia Hieu, the Chairman of the People’s Council, presided over the session.
Resolution No. 09 set forth a comprehensive strategy to merge and reorganize 404 communes, wards, and towns into 122 new administrative units. This restructuring is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of local governance and ensuring compliance with legal standards and directives from central authorities. Specifically, 82 of these units will adopt names based on their respective district names, supplemented by a serial number. However, exceptions were made for Vinh city, which will have one unit named Cua Lo, and Nam Dan district, which will have one unit named Kim Lien commune.
Moreover, 40 newly established communes across six regions—Ky Son, Tuong Duong, Thanh Chuong, Quy Chau, Quy Hop, and Que Phong—will be named after traditional, cultural, and historical locations, reflecting the rich heritage of the area. Following these changes, Nghe An province will consist of 130 administrative units, including 122 newly formed communes and wards alongside eight existing communes, marking a reduction of 282 administrative units compared to the previous structure.
In an encouraging sign of public support, a remarkable 96.92% of voters in Nghe An expressed their agreement with the proposed name changes. The new names aim to avoid the use of district names accompanied by serial numbers, favoring instead names that are easier to read and remember, and that resonate with the cultural and historical significance of the region.
During the session, the People’s Council unanimously voted to approve the resolution regarding the new naming scheme for 82 administrative units across 11 districts, including Anh Son, Con Cuong, Dien Chau, Do Luong, Hung Nguyen, Nam Dan, Nghia Dan, Nghi Loc, Quynh Luu, Tan Ky, and Yen Thanh, as well as two towns, Hoang Mai and Thai Hoa, and the city of Vinh. This decision reflects a collective effort to create a naming convention that honors the local identity and heritage.
Hoang Nghia Hieu, in his closing remarks, emphasized the importance of expediting the completion of the proposal documentation. He urged the Legal Committee of the People’s Council and the Office of the National Assembly Delegation and the People’s Council to finalize and authenticate the resolution promptly.
Furthermore, Hieu called on the provincial government to swiftly prepare the necessary documentation for the proposed restructuring of administrative units to be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs for evaluation. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the proposal is presented to the Government and the Standing Committee of the National Assembly for consideration and approval, adhering to the timeline set forth by central authorities.
In addition to administrative restructuring, Hieu highlighted the need for the provincial government to prioritize the implementation of plans concerning the draft amendments to certain articles of the 2013 Constitution. This includes engaging with citizens and various sectors to ensure that the amendment process is democratic, scientific, transparent, and meets the required quality standards.
As part of the ongoing preparations, representatives from the People’s Council are expected to actively engage with constituents ahead of the regular mid-year session scheduled for 2025, adhering to the established plan. This engagement is crucial for fostering a sense of community involvement and ensuring that the voices of the citizens are heard in the decision-making process.
The restructuring of administrative units in Nghe An province is not just a bureaucratic exercise; it reflects a broader commitment to improving local governance and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By adopting names that resonate with local culture and history, the province aims to strengthen community ties and foster a sense of belonging among its citizens.
The changes coming out of this session signify a pivotal moment in Nghe An’s administrative evolution, promising a more streamlined and culturally attuned governance structure moving forward.
