{
  "The 2-Tier Local Government Model: Objectives and Launch": "## The 2-Tier Local Government Model: Objectives and Launch\n\n### Directives and Principles for Public Non-Business Unit Reorganization\n\nThe implementation of the 2-tier local government model in Vietnam has necessitated a comprehensive reorganization of public non-business units (PNBUs), particularly in the health and education sectors. This strategic rearrangement aims to streamline the administrative apparatus, enhance service delivery, and ensure efficiency in resource allocation. A key directive, Công văn số 03/CV-BCĐ, issued by the Steering Committee for Administrative Unit Arrangement and the Development of the 2-Tier Local Government Model on April 15, 2025, provided initial guidance for PNBUs, including those in health and education ([in-text citation](https://ancofi.com.vn/dinh-huong-sap-xep-co-so-y-te-giao-duc-va-don-vi-su-nghiep-cong-lap-truc-thuoc-ubnd-cap-huyen/); [in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/dinh-huong-sap-xep-co-so-y-te-giao-duc-va-don-vi-su-nghiep-cong-lap-truc-thuoc-ubnd-cap-huyen-119250416113610383.htm)). This document, signed by Minister of Home Affairs Phạm Thị Thanh Trà, emphasized the organizational structure and personnel aspects during the implementation phase ([in-text citation](https://ancofi.com.vn/dinh-huong-sap-xep-co-so-y-te-giao-duc-va-don-vi-su-nghiep-cong-lap-truc-thuoc-ubnd-cap-huyen/)).\n\nFurther elaboration on the principles for reorganizing PNBUs at the local level was provided by Công văn 68/CV-BCĐ, issued on May 28, 2025, by the same Steering Committee. This document outlined the framework for restructuring PNBUs in response to the non-organization of the district level, the merger of communes, and the establishment of the 2-tier local government model, as mandated by Resolution No. 60-NQ/TW of April 12, 2025 ([in-text citation](https://baochinhphu.vn/nguyen-tac-dinh-huong-sap-xep-don-vi-su-nghiep-cong-lap-o-dia-phuong-102250529132353752.htm)). The core principles guiding this reorganization include ensuring that the rearrangement does not adversely affect the provision of basic and essential public services, does not increase the number of administrative units, and does not lead to an increase in state-funded personnel. Localities were tasked with proactively developing their reorganization plans, aligning them with the directives and adjusting them according to guidance from relevant ministries, with a deadline for completion set before June 15, 2025 ([in-text citation](https://baochinhphu.vn/nguyen-tac-dinh-huong-sap-xep-don-vi-su-nghiep-cong-lap-o-dia-phuong-1022505291323533752.htm)). The aim is to ensure synchronized implementation with the 2-tier model and timely provision of public services ([in-text citation](https://baochinhphu.vn/nguyen-tac-dinh-huong-sap-xep-don-vi-su-nghiep-cong-lap-o-dia-phuong-102250529132353752.htm)).\n\n### Implementation Status and Challenges in Health and Education Sectors\n\nThe reorganization of public non-business units, particularly in health and education, has seen varied approaches and encountered specific challenges across different localities. For instance, Hải Dương province's leadership directed the rearrangement of some public non-business units to provide inter-commune/ward services, while dissolving others deemed incompatible with the 2-tier local government model ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/dinh-huong-sap-xep-co-so-giao-duc-y-te-don-vi-su-nghiep-cung-cap-dich-vu-lien-xa-phuong-119250514172045306.htm)). During a specialized meeting, the Hải Dương Department of Home Affairs presented a preliminary plan for reorganizing health and education facilities, along with other public non-business units serving multiple communes and wards ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/dinh-huong-sap-xep-co-so-giao-duc-y-te-don-vi-su-nghiep-cung-cap-dich-vu-lien-xa-phuong-119250514172045306.htm)).\n\nA significant challenge identified in the implementation process pertains to the management and utilization of public assets. The resolution of redundant headquarters, particularly their conversion into health facilities, educational institutions, or other public works, has faced considerable difficulties ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/nghi-quyet-268-nq-cp-ve-tinh-hinh-trien-khai-thuc-hien-va-van-hanh-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-02-cap-119250904063648383.htm)). This issue highlights the complexity of asset redistribution and repurposing in the context of administrative restructuring. The overarching goal remains to ensure that despite the reorganization, the provision of basic and essential public services, especially in health and education, is maintained and improved, without increasing the overall number of units or personnel funded by the state budget ([in-text citation](https://baochinhphu.vn/nguyen-tac-dinh-huong-sap-xep-don-vi-su-nghiep-cong-lap-o-dia-phuong-102250529132353752.htm)).\n\n### Commune-Level Operational Framework and Initial Performance\n\nThe 2-tier local government model officially began operating on July 1, 2025, marking a significant administrative shift ([in-text citation](https://baochinhphu.vn/chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-se-van-hanh-tu-1-7-2025-ca-he-thong-chinh-tri-buoc-vao-cuoc-nuoc-rut-lich-su-102250611122819752.htm); [in-text citation](https://baochinhphu.vn/hoan-thien-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-bao-dam-van-hanh-hieu-qua-ngay-trong-nam-2025.htm)). This transition was described as a comprehensive administrative revolution, aiming for a thorough restructuring of territorial space, institutions, and administration ([in-text citation](https://baochinhphu.vn/chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-se-van-hanh-tu-1-7-2025-ca-he-thong-chinh-tri-buoc-vao-cuoc-nuoc-rut-lich-su-102250611122819752.htm)). Initial assessments, just a week after the launch, indicated that the local government apparatus in provinces and cities began operating stably and smoothly, ensuring effective public service delivery. Citizens expressed satisfaction with the changes brought by the new model, particularly regarding administrative procedures ([in-text citation](https://nhandan.vn/hieu-qua-tu-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-hai-cap-post892301.html)). The model emphasizes bringing government closer to the people to address their legitimate rights and interests more promptly and fully, thereby improving the quality of public services ([in-text citation](https://isos.gov.vn/nghien-cuu-trao-doi/sap-xep-don-vi-hanh-chinh-va-to-chuc-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-o-viet-nam-buoc-di-dot-pha-trong-cach-mang-tinh-gon-to-chuc-bo-may-nha-nuoc-43760.html)).\n\nTo facilitate this, local governments, especially at the commune level, have been encouraged to implement flexible and effective solutions to meet practical needs. This includes adopting a \"one-stop, multi-service\" model to alleviate concerns about potential overload and delays in handling administrative procedures in populous new communes and wards ([in-text citation](https://nhandan.vn/hieu-qua-tu-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-hai-cap-post892301.html)). The government also stressed the importance of building mechanisms for public participation in supervising state agencies, social criticism, and evaluating the quality of public services to ensure a more responsive and accountable local government ([in-text citation](https://isos.gov.vn/nghien-cuu-trao-doi/sap-xep-don-vi-hanh-chinh-va-to-chuc-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-o-viet-nam-buoc-di-dot-pha-trong-cach-mang-tinh-gon-to-chuc-bo-may-nha-nuoc-43760.html)).\n\n### Human Resources, Infrastructure, and Legal Framework at the Grassroots Level\n\nDespite the initial positive feedback, the operationalization of the 2-tier local government model at the grassroots level has revealed several challenges concerning human resources, infrastructure, and the legal framework. A significant issue is the consolidation of the organizational apparatus and personnel after mergers, which has proven difficult. Human resources at the commune level are often characterized by being simultaneously redundant and lacking, with limitations in both professional quality and technological skills ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/nghi-quyet-268-nq-cp-ve-tinh-hinh-trien-khai-thuc-hien-va-van-hanh-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-02-cap-119250904063648383.htm)). This imbalance poses a challenge to efficient governance and service delivery.\n\nInfrastructure also presents limitations. Many localities report a shortage of adequate facilities, with some existing headquarters being dilapidated, cramped, or scattered. Public administrative service centers are often located far from residents, causing inconvenience ([in-text citation"
}