Let's act for the greater good.

(Baonghean)The Ministry of Interior's proposal to merge several departments and agencies in the draft Decree on the organization of specialized agencies under the People's Committees of provinces and cities has become the focus of public attention.

If we consider those supporting the merger as the "progressive faction" and those opposing it as the "conservative faction," then it seems the "conservative faction" is in the majority. This reveals a common trait: normally, when discussing the goal of rapid and sustainable national development, everyone is enthusiastic and passionate, considering it the ultimate objective that must be prioritized and for which they must sacrifice everything. However, when it comes to sacrificing a little personal gain to contribute to that goal, people hesitate and backtrack. The clearest evidence of this is that when the Ministry of Interior's proposal was first put forward for public consultation, most of those subject to the merger, when asked for their opinion, resorted to delaying tactics.

Apart from Ho Chi Minh City, which frankly refused and disagreed, other places tried to argue that it was not advisable to proceed prematurely, but rather that thorough research, investigation, and consideration of all aspects should be conducted before making a decision. Not a single person in this group immediately agreed with both hands raised. Even though everyone surveyed knew that merging departments and agencies with similar functions was a breakthrough in administrative reform aimed at practically improving the effectiveness and efficiency of public service.

The Ministry of Interior's proposal to merge several departments is causing much controversy. Photo: Internet

This is an important first step towards streamlining the workforce, simplifying the administrative apparatus, and saving administrative costs from the budget to free up resources for the country's development. From a social perspective, as one National Assembly representative observed, below the government is the local government apparatus – directly connected to the interests of the people. The more layers and levels there are, the more suffering the people endure. Therefore, reducing the number of administrative layers reduces suffering for the people, and this needs to be done immediately. And yet…

And as someone once said: self-interest always guides people. It's like the "battery" that nature has attached to a person's chest. Any policy or initiative that removes that "battery" from a person's chest will leave them without motivation. Mergers are also a policy that removes that "battery" from the chests of some people and some units, which is why people oppose them in various forms.

Therefore, instead of asking for approval or disapproval of the merger, it should be considered a matter of course. It needs to be done immediately and without delay. The question should only be about how it should be done, avoiding lengthy and pointless justifications and delays. Remember, the state budget spends approximately 400 trillion VND annually on salaries out of a total revenue of 1 trillion VND. If salaries were paid at the standard of living, there would be absolutely nothing left for investment and development.

Without streamlining the workforce and simplifying the administrative apparatus, it is impossible to accelerate the country's development. And if we don't move quickly, we will fall behind and be left behind. We must recognize this danger and strengthen our resolve to implement reforms, removing the obstacles posed by "personal interests." We cannot hesitate or delay any longer. Let's prioritize the greater good and do what needs to be done immediately.

Duy Huong