HÀ NỘI – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has approved in principle a plan that would give HCM City greater autonomy in several areas including fiscal management, legislation and organisation of civil service examinations.

A Monday posting on the Government website said the municipal administration has been asked to work with relevant ministries and agencies to draft detailed proposals which would then be examined and assessed by the Political Bureau, National Assembly and the NA Standing Committee.

The municipal administration will also be allowed to establish specialised agencies and decide the number of State officials and civil service employees, the report said.

The latest decision follows up on the Politburo’s Resolution 16 NQ/TW (dated 10/8/2012), which deals with the development of the city and its 2020 targets.

The report said the municipal administration will have the authority to issue regulations related to budgetary receipts and expenses and to fix appropriate fees, charges and fines for infringements of social order and urban safety. It will also be responsible for promulgating allowances and levels of support for low-income and needy people.

The city People’s Committee has been asked to co-ordinate with the ministries of Finance, Construction, Home Affairs, Public Security and Justice to set up jurisdiction schemes, and report these to the Government and the Prime Minister.

Members of the People’s Committee will be allowed to participate in administrative lawsuits related to agencies and institutions under its administration. The report said leaders of agencies and organisations that are being sued can also take part directly in legal proceedings as authorised representatives.

The PM has asked the Ministry of Justice to “synthesise difficulties and obstacles” in the process of implementing the 2015 Law on Administrative Procedures, and propose amendments and supplements, the report said.

It said the HCM City People’s Committee can choose qualified investors for projects to repair old apartment buildings, ensuring that all mandated requirements on ability and experience are met.

District-level People’s Committees in the city will be authorised to examine, assess and approve projects to demolish dilapidated old apartment buildings, the report said.

It also said that the Chairperson of the HCM City People’s Committee will be responsible before the Government and the law for all decisions taken by the municipal administration. — VNS