The Vietnamese government is moving forward with a draft proposal that aims to adjust the standards and norms for the use of public service vehicles and machinery in response to evolving administrative needs. This initiative seeks to streamline operations across various levels of government, particularly at the commune level, where the demand for efficient transportation and equipment has grown significantly.
The draft builds on the existing framework established by Decree No. 72/2023/ND-CP, which outlines the regulations for vehicle usage in public service. Notably, it proposes that communes be allowed to maintain a maximum of two cars for public service roles, a move that reflects the ongoing restructuring of local governance.
According to the draft, the previous regulations concerning the positions of Deputy Director General and district-level officials will be removed, while provisions for commune-level positions will be introduced. This shift is part of broader efforts to adapt to the recent administrative changes, which include merging certain ministries and reducing the number of local government tiers.
Decree No. 72/2023/ND-CP has previously stipulated conditions under which additional vehicles, such as pickup trucks and 12-16 seat cars, may be allocated to specific tasks. These tasks include market management, forest fire prevention, and various public health initiatives. The draft additionally proposes two new categories for vehicle allocation: managing market tasks and transporting public employees over distances of 20 kilometers or more.
This focus on transport is crucial, especially as many public employees are now required to travel further due to the restructuring of administrative units. The adjustment in vehicle quotas for general work is also noteworthy. The proposal suggests that units with up to 20 employees should share one car for every two units, while those with more staff would have a scaled quota based on their size. For instance, units with 20 to 50 employees would be entitled to one vehicle, while those with 100 to 200 employees could have up to three vehicles.
The average vehicle quota is expected to be around 40 to 50 people per vehicle, a standard that reflects the new operational realities of these organizations. As administrative units expand their jurisdiction and responsibilities, the need for adequate transportation becomes increasingly vital.
One of the most significant changes proposed in the draft is the adjustment of vehicle quotas at the commune level, allowing for a maximum of two cars per commune. The provincial People’s Committee will oversee the allocation of vehicles among communes, potentially adjusting the number based on specific local needs. This new system aims to enhance direct management and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently.
Additionally, the draft maintains the maximum price for public service vehicles at 950 million VND per car, with higher allowances for larger vehicles. For instance, the price cap for 12-16 seat vehicles is set at 1.3 billion VND, while 7 or 8 seat all-wheel-drive vehicles may be purchased for up to 1.6 billion VND.
In terms of vehicle specifications, the draft seeks to provide flexibility by not rigidly defining the number of axles required, which allows for the use of surplus vehicles that may already be in service. The proposal also includes provisions for high-capacity vehicles, increasing their price limit to 2.8 billion VND, acknowledging the broader operational scope of ministries and local governments.
These changes are aligned with the Ministry of Finance’s submission to the government, which emphasizes the need for updated standards and norms in light of the evolving landscape of public service. The current system, established under Decision No. 50/2017/QD-TTg, has been deemed inadequate for modern requirements, particularly with the rise of digital technology and the need for innovative approaches in governance.
Moreover, the new regulations aim to address limitations identified in the previous decision, which did not account for the full range of machinery and equipment necessary for effective public administration. The Ministry of Finance argues that the existing standards do not reflect market prices or the technological advancements that have taken place since their implementation.
Law No. 56/2024/QH15, which amends several existing laws related to public property management, reinforces the need for decentralization and delegation of authority to local bodies. This shift aims to promote more autonomous management of budgets and resources, allowing localities to respond more effectively to their operational needs.
In light of these developments, the draft proposal also suggests adjustments to the pricing of machinery and equipment used in public service. It allows for a purchase price increase of up to 15% above the established norms, and in exceptional cases, up to 30% with appropriate approvals from relevant authorities.
For instance, the maximum price for computers is proposed to increase from 15 million VND to 18 million VND, and similar adjustments are proposed for other equipment like printers and office furniture. This reflects the need to keep pace with inflation and market changes to ensure that public agencies can procure the necessary tools for effective service delivery.
As part of the ongoing efforts to modernize public administration, the draft also proposes the inclusion of new types of equipment, such as document scanners and shredders, while phasing out outdated technologies like fax machines in favor of digital solutions.
Ultimately, these proposed changes aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public service operations across Vietnam. By aligning vehicle and equipment standards with current realities, the government hopes to foster a more responsive and capable public sector that can better serve the needs of its citizens.
