As of September 9, 55,965 commune-level units nationwide were expected to conduct transactions with the State Treasury. However, 475 units (0.85%) had not yet opened treasury accounts, and 1,225 units (2.33%) had not disbursed salaries.
In a directive issued on September 10, the State Treasury mandated all subordinate agencies to collaborate with commune-level units to ensure 100% completion of account openings and salary payments by September 15.
Regional State Treasury branches are required to coordinate with provincial Departments of Finance to report to the provincial People's Committees for decisive action regarding units that have not received budget allocations or appointed account holders and chief accountants.
Furthermore, regional treasury branches are required to submit comprehensive and timely reports on the registration and salary disbursement status of commune-level units to the Ministry of Finance.
This directive follows a meeting held by the Ministry of Finance to address obstacles in implementing the two-tier local government model, including ensuring the benefits of officials and public employees at the commune level.
Following the National Assembly's resolution on rearranging provincial administrative units, the number of provinces and cities was reduced to 34 effective July 1. Commune-level administrative units decreased from over 10,000 to over 3,300, a reduction of approximately 67%. Local government structure shifted from three tiers (province, district, commune) to two (province, commune).
However, many officials in commune-level agencies have not yet received their salaries because these units haven't submitted the necessary documents to the State Treasury to open accounts and disburse August salaries.
Localities are also facing difficulties due to a shortage of financial and accounting personnel at the commune level. Many communes lack sufficient leadership and specialized personnel, especially those meeting the criteria for chief accountant appointments. This has hindered the opening of treasury accounts for budget disbursement.
Additionally, some officials are not yet familiar with the guidelines or haven't actively coordinated with relevant authorities.
Phuong Dung
