Commenting on drafting the consolidated Law on State Budget, lawmakers said the objective is not merely to merge the Law on State Budget and the Law on Public Investment or to streamline procedures. More importantly, the goal is to establish a mechanism for managing public resources that is more unified, flexible, and clearly defines responsibilities, while still upholding fiscal discipline.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, representing Hai Phong City, said, “In fact, all of us use the State budget; therefore, maintaining two separate laws is unnecessary. Consolidating them is a highly appropriate move. We are operating with a five-year financial plan and a five-year medium-term public investment program. Since both involve State budget investment expenditures, consolidation is essential to address areas of overlap and duplication.”
Regarding the proposal to merge the four National Target Programs into a single program, delegates from the Hanoi generally voiced their support for the initiative, noting that it would help reduce the number of coordinating bodies and administrative procedures and enhance local autonomy.
Many emphasized the need to ensure that this integration does not compromise program objectives, lower priority levels, or diminish the benefits intended for specific target groups and disadvantaged areas.
Deputy Le Kim Anh said, "Management should be implemented based on the principle of "one subject, one dossier, multiple appropriate policies". This approach helps identify overlaps, minimizes the risk of overlooking eligible individuals, and facilitates resource allocation based on actual needs."
"To ensure substantive public participation, citizens must not only engage in oversight but also take part in identifying needs, selecting priorities, and evaluating outcomes. In particular, mechanisms are required to ensure that the voices of women, the poor, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups are reflected throughout the policy formulation and implementation processes," Anh added.
These matters will be deliberated by the National Assembly in the plenary sessions to follow.
