Provincial authorities proactively support commune-level governments

Among the five key priorities highlighted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam at the third plenum of the 14th Party Central Committee, clearly defining the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the central, provincial, and commune levels has been identified as a matter of particular importance.

The third plenum clearly defined the role of each level of government. The central government is responsible for steering national development and ensuring consistency in state governance nationwide, rather than intervening deeply in matters that fall within the jurisdiction of local authorities.

For provincial authorities, the key task is to translate the Central Government’s policies into measures suited to local conditions, proactively coordinate resources, organize development space, and create favorable conditions for commune-level governments to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

At the commune level, as the tier of government closest to the people, authorities are directly responsible for interacting with citizens and businesses and handling matters affecting them. Therefore, alongside the delegation of additional responsibilities and authority, continued investment is needed to strengthen resources, improve infrastructure, and build a contingent of capable, resilient, responsible, and ethical public officials. At the same time, digital transformation should be accelerated, with adequate data systems, financial resources, and other necessary conditions in place to enable commune-level governments to effectively fulfill their assigned functions and duties.

The principle that the Central Government should not perform the work of local authorities, and that provincial authorities should not retain responsibilities that commune-level governments are capable of carrying out effectively, reflects a renewed approach to national governance. It underscores that decentralization and delegation of authority must go hand in hand with clearly defined responsibilities and stronger oversight. Each level of government should perform its designated functions and responsibilities, with higher levels focusing on providing strategic direction, guidance, and support rather than taking over the work of lower levels. Meanwhile, lower levels should maximize their initiative and creativity while remaining accountable for their performance. Whenever commune-level governments encounter difficulties, provincial authorities must proactively provide guidance, support, and timely solutions to ensure that all tasks are carried out smoothly without delays or bottlenecks.

Thuy Chau