Strengthening decentralization, delegation of power to improve governance and public services

In line with the Central Government’s policy on reforming administrative apparatus in a streamlined, effective, and efficient manner, and as part of the rollout of the two-tier local government model, Dong Nai has identified the acceleration of decentralization, delegation of authority and authorization as key priorities for improving the effectiveness of state governance and the public service delivery for citizens and businesses.

As the city is carrying out its special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign under the theme “Solidarity – Discipline – Efficiency – Breakthrough, building a civilized and modern Dong Nai,” demands for stronger governance capacity, administrative reform, digital transformation and better public services continue to rise. In this context, decentralization and delegation of power has been recognized as an important solution to empower grassroots authorities, streamline administrative procedures and improve the operational effectiveness of government at all levels.

Empowering grassroots authorities

Immediately after the Central Government issued regulations on delineation of authority, the Dong Nai City People’s Committee directed departments and agencies to comprehensively review legal documents and state management responsibilities across sectors in order to align them with the new organizational model.

Leaders of agencies and units in Long Thanh ward sign an emulation pledge to implement the special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign.

Following a review of 28 Government decrees and related sectoral regulations, the city identified 1,073 tasks delegated by the Central Government to local authorities, including 564 under the jurisdiction of provincial-level People’s Councils and People’s Committees and 509 assigned to commune-level People’s Councils and People’s Committees.

By May 15, 2026, the city had issued 58 documents on decentralization and authorization, including 21 decentralization documents covering 74 tasks and 37 authorization documents covering 685 tasks. At the commune level alone, the city promulgated 13 decisions and two resolutions assigning 57 tasks across nine sectors, while also issuing four authorization decisions covering 87 tasks in four sectors. These results reflect Dong Nai’s proactive and determined approach to implementing decentralization and delegation from the outset of the two-tier local government model.

According to Dang Thanh Hoang, Deputy Director of the Department of Home Affairs, decentralization and delegation of power has been carried out based on the principle that responsibilities should be assigned to the level of government closest to the people and most familiar with local realities. At the same time, responsibilities, authority and oversight mechanisms are clearly defined.

One of the most significant outcomes has been a stronger sense of responsibility and accountability among grassroots administrations. With greater decision-making powers, communes and wards have become more proactive in addressing arising issues, while their management and administrative capacity has steadily improved. Many administrative procedures that previously required processing through multiple levels can now be resolved directly at the grassroots level, helping reduce time and costs for citizens and businesses while increasing public satisfaction with local government performance.

The effectiveness of these efforts was reflected in Dong Nai’s 2025 administrative reform performance, with both its Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index) and Satisfaction Index of the Public Administrative Services (SIPAS) rankings placing third among Vietnam’s 34 provinces and cities. These achievements not only demonstrate the effectiveness of administrative reform, digital transformation and decentralization, delegation efforts in recent years, but also provide an important foundation for implementing the key objectives of the 500-day-and-night emulation campaign and building a modern administration that serves citizens and businesses more effectively.

Le Hoang Son, Deputy Party Secretary and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Long Thanh ward, said the implementation of the two-tier local government model, together with stronger decentralization and delegation, has reduced intermediary layers and enhanced the initiative of grassroots authorities in handling local affairs, particularly in planning, land management, urban order and the implementation of key infrastructure projects.

Enhancing governance effectiveness in the digital era

Notably, decentralization has been implemented in tandem with administrative reform and digital transformation. To date, all administrative work records within state agencies are processed electronically. The document management and executive system has been deployed across all 95 communes and wards, while 13,870 digital signatures have been issued to officials, civil servants and public employees throughout the city.

These developments provide an important foundation for ensuring that decentralization goes hand in hand with the control of power, while enhancing transparency, accountability and the effectiveness of of government administration at all levels. Digital transformation has also helped government operations become faster, more accurate and more responsive to practical needs.

Officials in Binh Long ward process administrative procedures for local residents. Photo: Ho Thao.

Alongside these achievements, practical experience has also highlighted several challenges. Some sector-specific regulations and guidelines issued by central authorities remain inconsistent, while the volume of responsibilities transferred to commune-level governments is substantial. Meanwhile, professional capacity remains uneven across some localities, particularly in areas such as land administration, construction, public finance, digital transformation and public investment. In addition, digital infrastructure, equipment and information technology personnel at the grassroots level require further investment and improvement. Post-decentralization monitoring and supervision mechanisms also need to be strengthened to ensure effective implementation.

Alongside the delegation of responsibilities, the city has simultaneously decentralized authority over finance, budgeting, public assets and organizational apparatus. The City People’s Council has issued resolutions on revenue allocation, expenditure responsibilities and budget distribution norms, while the City People’s Committee has promulgated 19 decentralization decisions and 37 authorization documents, creating an important legal framework for localities to carry out assigned tasks proactively.

To further improve the effectiveness of decentralization and delegation of authority, Dong Nai has proposed that the Government and ministries and Central agencies continue reviewing and refining the legal framework, while issuing more consistent guidance in areas that remain problematic, including home affairs, land administration, construction and specialized inspections. The city has also called for greater support in digital infrastructure, shared databases and human resource training. Dong Nai will also continue prioritizing improvements in the quality of its cadre and civil servant workforce, while strengthening inspection and supervision activities to meet the demands of the new development phase.

As the city is advancing its special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign under the banner of “Solidarity – Discipline – Efficiency – Breakthrough, building a civilized and modern Dong Nai,” further advancing decentralization and delegation of authority will serve as an important driver for improving governance, strengthening grassroots initiative and building a modern, efficient and people-centered administration.

By H. Thao – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha