At a government meeting on August 23, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported significant progress after nearly two months of implementing the two-tier local government model.

Localities across Vietnam have completed the restructuring and consolidation of People’s Councils and People’s Committees at the provincial and commune levels.

This includes the establishment of 465 specialized departments under the People’s Committees of 34 provinces and cities, and 9,916 specialized offices under 3,321 communes, wards, and special districts.

Currently, 32 out of 34 provinces and cities have established 3,139 commune-level Public Administrative Service Centers. Hanoi and Quang Ninh have adopted a single-level service center model with multiple branches.

Between July 1 and August 19, the country received a total of 4.4 million administrative submissions, with 74.7% submitted online. Ho Chi Minh City had the highest number of applications, at more than 645,000, while Dien Bien had the lowest with just under 15,000.

Over 16,100 surplus public properties identified

By August 19, more than 94,000 civil servants had official approval for resignation or retirement. Of these, nearly 82,000 had already left their posts, and over 50,000 had received financial settlements.

To support the restructuring process, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidance on implementing Politburo Conclusion No. 183, which included the end of support policies under Decree 178/2024. Given the limited implementation time, many localities faced difficulties. The ministry has advised agencies to thoroughly review and ensure accurate application of the policy, avoiding mass departures while retaining skilled personnel to maintain service quality.

As for public property management, the Ministry of Finance reported that, as of August 15, there were more than 16,100 surplus government buildings and land plots. Of these, 6,704 assets were left over due to administrative unit mergers.

Meanwhile, 354 out of 3,321 commune-level administrative units still lack cars, and 601 units remain under-equipped in terms of machinery and tools needed for basic operations. Most of the equipment in use is outdated and fails to meet service standards.

In response, the Prime Minister has instructed all relevant ministries to finalize compensation payments and policy settlements for retired and resigned personnel by no later than August 30, in accordance with Politburo directives.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also been tasked with providing further guidance to ensure smooth, effective operation of the new government structure. Agencies are to comprehensively review and classify staff needs and prioritize immediate recruitment for vacant essential positions.

PV