Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra highlighted several milestones achieved by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2024, including reorganizing administrative units at the district and commune levels for localities to prepare for the upcoming Party Congresses.

By the end of the reorganization, nine district-level and 563 commune-level administrative units were eliminated, while 38 district and 1,178 commune-level units were reorganized.

Significant progress was also made in urban development, with 137 urban administrative units upgraded and Hue designated as a centrally governed heritage city. These changes align with the goals set by the 13th Party Congress to achieve 45% urbanization by 2025.

Efforts to streamline provincial and district-level agencies resulted in the reduction of 12 sub-departments and equivalent units, as well as 29 district-level agencies. To date, 13 departments and 2,613 sub-department units have been streamlined.

The ministry also worked intensively in November and December to finalize proposals for streamlining government apparatuses. The plans aim to ensure effective, efficient, and unified governance, with a report submitted to the Politburo by December 31, 2024.

Focus for 2025

The merger of the two ministries will prioritize political and cultural alignment to ensure a smooth transition. Employees of both ministries are encouraged to embrace innovation, take responsibility, and work collaboratively to meet governance demands.

The ministry will also assist the government in directing ministries, sectors, and localities to reorganize their administrative structures without disrupting public services, especially those related to citizens, businesses, and international organizations.

Simultaneously, workforce downsizing will continue alongside restructuring, with emphasis on retraining personnel to align with the requirements of a streamlined administrative system.

Policy reviews and amendments will address gaps in governance frameworks, operational mechanisms, and public employee regulations to achieve an effective and capable workforce.

Immediate priorities include submitting revised versions of the Law on Government Organization, the Law on Local Government Organization, and the Law on Public Employees for approval. Additional decrees will clarify the functions, tasks, and structures of ministries, government agencies, and provincial authorities.

These efforts aim to implement seamless policies for employees and ensure a high standard of governance post-restructuring.

Thu Hang