Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Head of the Steering Committee for the Reorganization of District and Commune-level Administrative Units (AU), presided over the committee's inaugural meeting on Tuesday, which focused on the period from 2023 to 2030.

During the meeting, Tran Kim Yen, Chairwoman of the Inspection Committee of the HCM City Party Committee, expressed concerns about the reorganization's impact on residents, particularly the adjustments required for official documents. Yen recommended a phased approach to these changes to avoid unnecessary disruptions for the public.

Representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Command also voiced concerns, noting that the reorganization would leave 273 command staff members without posts. They urged the city to develop policies to support these affected personnel.

Nguyen Huu Hiep, Secretary of the Thu Duc City Party Committee, highlighted the importance of aligning the management of surplus staff with the city’s ongoing job restructuring initiatives.

In response to these concerns, Deputy Chairman Vo Van Hoan assured that the city has devised comprehensive plans to manage surplus infrastructure and personnel following the reorganization. Specifically, the restructuring of 80 wards will result in 2,469 surplus staff members. Of these, the city plans to retain 1,741, with the remaining 728 to be reassigned or offered early retirement.

Hoan explained that surplus staff might be reassigned to other positions within the city’s localities or departments where their skills are needed. Those eligible for retirement will be provided with appropriate policies, while others without suitable positions will receive fair compensation.

"The reorganization will be carried out gradually to minimize disruptions for both residents and staff," Hoan emphasized.

He also noted that preparations, including the distribution of new seals and signage for local offices, are already complete. To ease the transition, the city will waive fees for document changes for residents and businesses.

"Our aim is to finalize this process within the year so that by early 2025, all wards will be functioning under the new administrative boundaries," the Deputy Chairman affirmed.

During the meeting, Secretary Nguyen Van Nen acknowledged the complexities and potential challenges arising from the reorganization, including the surplus of civil servants and the reallocation of office spaces. He emphasized the importance of minimizing negative impacts on the local government workforce.

"Post-reorganization, conditions must improve and become more stable. While this task is not new, it is both sensitive and complex. The city must adopt effective communication strategies and ensure a coordinated and thorough implementation to prevent delays," Secretary Nen advised.

Nen also urged city leaders to promptly direct and guide relevant departments in refining related documents and proposals. He stressed the need for fair policies concerning surplus civil servants, ensuring satisfaction for both those who stay and those who leave.

"The reorganization of such a large number of administrative units will significantly impact state management and economic development, inevitably affecting residents' lives during the process. The city must therefore enhance interaction, address public concerns, and streamline the conversion of related documents and procedures to avoid inconveniencing residents," Nen concluded.

Ho Van