Administrative Reform Vietnam Proposes to Abolish District Level Governance
The latest deliberations within the Vietnamese Politburo signal significant potential changes to the governance structure of the nation, particularly focusing on the proposal to abolish the district-level administration. This move is receiving attention for its anticipated impacts on urban governance, efficiency, and public administration.
Former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Nguyen Tien Dinh, recently commented, "We need to study this issue thoroughly; cities like Thu Duc and Thuy Nguyen require unique organizational structures and responsibilities." His statement highlights the importance of developing specific governance models for urban centers positioned as growth areas within larger metropolitan planning. The districts, often viewed as redundant layers of bureaucracy, are believed to slow decision-making processes and complicate administrative efficiency.
This initiative is part of broader administrational reforms aimed at optimizing state management as Vietnam progresses toward advanced urbanization. Key proposals include merging existing district-level units with provincial efforts, thereby streamlining local governance centers to improve accountability and responsiveness to citizens' needs.
During discussions surrounding these reforms, it was pointed out by Trần Ngọc Đường, Former Deputy Head of the National Assembly Office, the necessity for careful planning when considering any direct transformation. He stated: "The organization of Hanoi and its urban zones needs to be harmonized with proposed reforms to avoid disruptions. If central decisions are made hastily, it could undermine the urban development strategies already underway.”
Reform efforts aim not only to cut bureaucratic red tape but also to bolster the self-reliance of local governance structures. With about 30% of Vietnam's districts having populations under 100,000 and significant portions of them lacking financial autonomy, the current bureaucracy is considered bloated and ineffective.
Recent reports from scholars and organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, have pointed to overlapping functions within governance layers leading to inefficiencies. For example, projects requiring multiple levels of approval can delay execution significantly, resulting in wasted financial resources, estimated to be around 20% of local budget allocations.
Former Minister of Information and Communication, Le Doan Hop, also weighed in on the necessity of these legal reforms, insisting, "The changes must address complex realities and suit local specifics as we align with the 2045 master plan for the capital." His views align with sentiments across the political spectrum concerning the need for responsiveness and adaptability within governing structures, especially as urban populations continue to grow.
Yet this proposed restructuring is not without its challenges. Administrators caution about ensuring sufficient capacity at lower governance levels to handle increased responsibilities. “Our primary aim is to build transparent and effective governance structures to overcome bureaucratic obstacles,” reported during the Central Committee meetings.
The proposed dissolution of the district level may potentially necessitate constitutional amendments, raising questions among legal scholars. Nguyen Duc Ha, former Deputy Head of the Organization Department, stated, "Addressing the constitutional amendments will be necessary if district levels are eliminated; this requires significant consideration from the National Assembly." His statement reflects concerns of fundamental changes to the framework of local governance and the necessary legal modifications required for implementation.
Continued discussions are expected among policymakers through 2025, confirming the agenda to explore these administrative reforms. It is hoped the outcome will invigorate local governance by promoting direct administrative operations at urban levels, ensuring they are tailor-made to the unique needs of various administrative regions.
Finally, as Vietnam navigates these ambitious reforms, it faces the dual task of ensuring productive engagement with its citizenry and adhering to transformative plans respected globally—an endeavor certain to shape the future of local governance significantly.