Following the recent approval of two significant legislative acts, the Prime Minister has issued a comprehensive plan to address challenges related to decentralization and delegation of authority.

The move aims to resolve legal bottlenecks and advance the implementation of both the Law on Government Organization and the Law on Local Government Organization.

During the regular government meeting on February 5, the Prime Minister introduced the plan to align with newly enacted laws.

The purpose is to unify understanding and elevate the responsibilities of central and local administrative bodies in promoting decentralized governance.

Ministries, government agencies, and local authorities are urged to proactively identify priority areas for decentralization and delegation to facilitate socio-economic development.

Key tasks and timelines

Under the plan, relevant agencies are required to submit their own implementation plans to the Ministry of Home Affairs by March 31.

These plans must outline priority tasks to ensure effective coordination between central and local government levels.

By April 15, ministries and government bodies are expected to report to the government on the necessary legislative amendments, including laws, resolutions, and ordinances, to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

These changes will facilitate the delegation of authority between the central government and local administrations, in line with the principles outlined in the newly enacted laws.

The plan also mandates that agencies and ministries identify pressing issues and suggest adjustments to legal regulations that define the powers of the Prime Minister, ministers, heads of central government agencies, and local authorities.

Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Justice, will compile and present reports to the government and the National Assembly on the progress of decentralization measures.

Decentralization to boost socio-economic development

The government’s action plan aligns with the 2021-2025 and 2026-2030 socio-economic development strategies. It underscores the importance of removing institutional bottlenecks that hinder economic growth.

As part of the effort, ministries are tasked with determining areas where immediate changes are needed to grant more autonomy to local administrations and streamline government operations.

Throughout the process, ministries are required to consult the Decentralization Steering Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, to ensure coordinated decision-making and address legal challenges promptly.

By promoting clearer distribution of responsibilities and more efficient governance, the government aims to enhance public administration and foster sustainable socio-economic growth.

Nguyen Thao