{
  "Commune-Level Operational Challenges and Policy Adjustments": "## Commune-Level Operational Challenges and Policy Adjustments\n\n### Increased Workload and Expanded Mandates at the Commune Level\n\nThe transition to a two-level local government model in Vietnam, which involves the abolition of the district tier, has significantly altered the operational landscape for commune-level administrative units. This structural reform, slated for completion by July 2025, necessitates a substantial redistribution of responsibilities previously managed by districts ([in-text citation](https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1718138/explainer-how-viet-nam-streamlines-local-government-to-boost-efficiency.html)). Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình indicated that approximately two-thirds of the district's former workload will now be transferred downward to the communes, while the remaining one-third will be shifted upward to the provincial level ([in-text citation](https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1718138/explainer-how-viet-nam-streamlines-local-government-to-boost-efficiency.html)). This redistribution is monumental, transforming commune-level units into entities with expanded territories, larger populations, and considerably more complex mandates than before. The consolidation efforts have seen more than 10,000 commune-level administrative units streamlined into around 3,321 larger ones, each effectively functioning as a \"mini-district\" ([in-text citation](https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1718138/explainer-how-viet-nam-streamlines-local-government-to-boost-efficiency.html)).\n\nThis structural change inherently leads to an increased workload at the commune and ward levels. Officials at these grassroots levels are now tasked with directly addressing a broader spectrum of community issues and providing essential public services that were previously handled by the intermediate district tier ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/day-manh-thuc-hien-6-giai-phap-de-phat-huy-hieu-qua-viec-sap-xep-don-vi-hanh-chinh-xay-dung-mo-hinh-to-chuc-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-119250521100134138.htm)). The objective is to make government \"closer to the people\" and more responsive to their needs ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/day-manh-thuc-hien-6-giai-phap-de-phat-huy-hieu-qua-viec-sap-xep-don-vi-hanh-chinh-xay-dung-mo-hinh-to-chuc-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-119250521100134138.htm)). However, this expanded role presents significant operational challenges, particularly in the early stages of implementation ([in-text citation](https://www.vietnam.vn/en/mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap)). The need for careful preparation of human resources and facilities at the commune level is paramount to ensure that these units can effectively manage their new responsibilities and maintain the quality of public service delivery ([in-text citation](https://www.vietnam.vn/en/mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap)). The success of this model hinges on the capacity of grassroots authorities to be more proactive and creative in solving local issues, thereby contributing to a more efficient state management system ([in-text citation](https://www.vietnam.vn/en/mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap)).\n\n### Human Resource Development and Cadre Management\n\nThe effectiveness of the two-level local government model is heavily reliant on the quality and capacity of human resources at the commune level. With the abolition of the district tier and the subsequent increase in responsibilities, there is a critical need to re-evaluate and strengthen the cadre team. The reorganization of the administrative apparatus at all levels is viewed as an opportunity to \"sift and re-evaluate the cadre team\" to ensure that officials genuinely meet the requirements for national development in the coming period ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/day-manh-thuc-hien-6-giai-phap-de-phat-huy-hieu-qua-viec-sap-xep-don-vi-hanh-chinh-xay-dung-mo-hinh-to-chuc-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-119250521100134138.htm)). This process aims to streamline the apparatus, enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of local government operations, reduce staff, and improve the quality and responsibility of cadres and civil servants at all levels ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/day-manh-thuc-hien-6-giai-phap-de-phat-huy-hieu-qua-viec-sap-xep-don-vi-hanh-chinh-xay-dung-mo-hinh-to-chuc-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-119250521100134138.htm)).\n\nThe increased workload at the commune and ward levels necessitates careful preparation of human resources. This includes not only ensuring an adequate number of staff but also equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle more complex mandates. The reform aims for a \"lean apparatus, clear decentralization, skilled personnel, effective operations, budget savings, and enhanced public service delivery\" ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/day-manh-thuc-hien-6-giai-phap-de-phat-huy-hieu-qua-viec-sap-xep-don-vi-hanh-chinh-xay-dung-mo-hinh-to-chuc-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap-119250521100134138.htm)). To achieve this, a former ward official highlighted the concern that the workload at the commune and ward levels will \"certainly increase,\" emphasizing the need for \"careful preparation of human resources\" ([in-text citation](https://www.vietnam.vn/en/mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-2-cap)). This preparation involves training programs, capacity building initiatives, and potentially recruiting new personnel with specialized skills to manage the expanded scope of responsibilities. The goal is to foster a highly competent and responsible team at the grassroots level capable of driving local development and effectively serving the community.\n\n### Legal Framework Gaps and Decentralization Imperatives\n\nA significant challenge in the implementation of the two-level local government model lies in the need for a comprehensive and coherent legal framework. The Government has emphasized the necessity for ministries, sectors, and localities to conduct a thorough review of all legal documents, particularly those pertaining to decentralization, delegation of authority, and the clear definition of powers ([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 review is crucial to swiftly and decisively complete the system of regulations and guidelines for implementing the two-level local government model, thereby establishing a robust political and legal foundation for localities to proceed smoothly ([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)).\n\nThe existing legal framework, designed for a three-tiered system, often presents ambiguities or lacks specific provisions for the new two-level structure. For instance, the amendment of the Law on Organization of Local Government is essential to create a legal corridor for state agencies to operate effectively under the new model, ensuring it is \"lean, strong, effective, and efficient\" ([in-text citation](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/day-manh-thuc-hien-6-giai-phap-de-phat-huy-hieu-qua-viec-sap-x"
}