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Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra has signed Directive No. 18 dated May 8, issued by the Prime Minister, aimed at enhancing the quality of commune-level civil servants to meet the requirements of the new situation.
The directive requires that the operation of two-tier local governments, along with the rearrangement and placement of commune-level cadres in provinces and centrally run cities, be implemented strictly in line with Party principles and State regulations.
It also sets out that commune-level cadres should be fundamentally consolidated and gradually adapted to new mission requirements, with improvements to leadership and management capacity and work methods to better meet goals for innovation, development, and serving people and businesses.
In the coming period, the Prime Minister requires the chairs of provincial people’s committees to promptly issue plans and measures to raise the quality of local commune-level civil servants to suit local conditions, regions, and areas. The directive sets a completion deadline of May 2026.
Localities are also directed to review and evaluate the overall quality, qualifications, and capacity of the commune-level civil service, and to finalize standards and criteria for job positions.
The directive calls for prioritizing the placement of cadres with proven backbone, the ability to endure pressure, and experience in handling complex local situations with heavy workloads. This is especially emphasized for fields requiring specialized expertise, including land, construction, ethnic affairs, religion, complaints, and accusations.
It further requires a decisive stance of not assigning cadres whose capabilities and strengths do not match job requirements, with completion by Q3/2026.
Localities should organize assessments of commune-level civil servants based on progress of assigned tasks, the quality of task handling, coordination, sense of responsibility, service attitude, and satisfaction of people and businesses.
At the same time, the directive calls for downsizing those with weak capabilities, lack of responsibility, or who fail to meet job requirements.
The Prime Minister also stresses prioritizing recruitment to provide human resources for commune-level agencies, focusing on talent and proven experience to meet immediate job needs.
Localities are directed to build plans to train and develop skills for commune-level cadres, including on-the-job training aligned with job positions and local realities. The directive emphasizes strengthening capabilities to perform public duties, handle situations, and increase on-site guidance.
Finally, the Prime Minister notes the need to implement regimes and policies and create conditions for cadres to study while working, ensuring that agency operations are not disrupted.
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