In Vietnam, the reorganization of administrative units has become a pressing issue as the government prepares to implement significant changes by 2025. According to Resolution No. 76/2025/UBTVQH15, which was issued on April 14, 2025, over 1,000 communes, wards, and towns are expected to be merged, divided, or have their boundaries adjusted. This restructuring aims to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure that all units meet minimum standards for area and population.
The significance of naming these new administrative units cannot be understated. Names are not merely technical identifiers; they carry deep legal, cultural, and political meanings, reflecting community identity and historical processes. In this context, the Vietnamese government is not only tasked with administrative efficiency but also with the sensitive matter of naming these new entities in a way that resonates with the local populace.
The legal framework guiding this process is outlined in Decree No. 54/2018/ND-CP, which stipulates the procedures for establishing, merging, and renaming administrative units. This decree emphasizes that new names must respect historical and cultural traditions, be easy to pronounce and remember, and avoid confusion with existing names in the same province. In addition, the process must be democratic and transparent, involving community input to ensure widespread acceptance.
For example, in Binh Dinh province, where 58 new administrative units are set to emerge, local leaders have been proactive in engaging the community on name selection. Lê Minh Tuấn, the Director of the Department of Home Affairs in Binh Dinh, stated that the naming process is not dictated by the provincial government but is instead a collaborative effort involving local party committees and community feedback. This approach aims to ensure that names reflect historical significance and cultural heritage.
In Hoai Nhon town, a significant shift occurred when the People's Council decided to change the naming plan from a numbering system to historical names that resonate with the local culture. On April 21, 2025, during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee, leaders suggested retaining names associated with historical landmarks. This decision was met with widespread approval from the community, showcasing the importance of local identity in the naming process.
Moreover, the emphasis on cultural heritage is echoed in the comments of local leaders. Lê Kim Toàn, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, highlighted the importance of names that reflect the community's history and culture, stating that these names will remain with the people for generations. He urged local leaders to consider the implications of their naming choices carefully, as these decisions will have lasting impacts on community identity.
However, the process is not without challenges. Some experts have voiced concerns about the potential loss of cultural identity if names are chosen purely for administrative convenience. Nguyễn Quang Cương, a former lecturer at Quy Nhon University, emphasized that place names encapsulate the history, geography, and cultural philosophy of the community. He warned against the trend of digitizing names, which he described as a disrespectful approach to tradition.
In addition to the local context, the national framework for administrative reorganization is also being addressed at the provincial level. The police departments of Hung Yen and Thai Binh provinces, for instance, are actively coordinating their efforts to ensure a smooth transition during the reorganization. Co-chaired by Colonel Nguyễn Thanh Trường and Colonel Trần Xuân Ánh, a recent conference focused on reviewing the leadership and officer corps within the police departments and ensuring that security measures remain intact during the restructuring.
During this meeting, the directors highlighted the importance of digitizing data to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This emphasis on modernization reflects the broader national strategy aimed at enhancing administrative capabilities across various levels of government.
As Vietnam moves forward with these significant administrative changes, the emphasis on community involvement, cultural significance, and legal compliance remains paramount. The process of naming new administrative units is not merely a bureaucratic task but a vital part of fostering community pride and identity. Ensuring that names reflect the historical and cultural essence of the areas they represent will be crucial in maintaining social cohesion and trust in local governance.
In conclusion, the approach to naming administrative units in Vietnam highlights the intricate balance between legal requirements, cultural heritage, and community engagement. As the country prepares for the upcoming changes, the decisions made now will shape the future identity of these communities, reinforcing the connection between the people and their local governance.
