The Hanoi Party Committee's Commission for Publicity and Mass Mobilization and the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture on May 21 reviewed the department's efforts in strengthening public engagement and improving the quality and effectiveness of public service delivery, particularly in planning, compensation, support, and resettlement work when land is reclaimed by the State.

In line with the Hanoi Party Committee's Directive No.07-CT/TU (dated October 1, 2021) and Directive No.36-CT/TU (dated November 28, 2024), the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture has closely followed leadership instructions and actively incorporated public engagement efforts into its key political tasks.

It has prioritized administrative reform, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and timely disclosure of all its activities to enable organizations and citizens to access information fully and conveniently.

The department's one-stop-shop and inter-agency service mechanisms have been streamlined for simplicity and efficiency, aiming to reduce procedures, time, and costs.

At the same time, officials have been encouraged to adopt a service-oriented mindset, demonstrating responsibility and dedication to the public, which has resulted in smoother interactions and higher satisfaction levels among citizens and organizations.

Transparency and public participation have also been enhanced in the planning process. Citizens and organizations are now involved in key stages of planning, with their right to access planning information fully respected.

The role of elected bodies such as the National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels has been emphasized, along with feedback and oversight from professional associations, scientists, and experts.

Since the issuance of Directive No.36, the city has seen no new hotspots involving petitions or complaints related to urban planning, and the effectiveness of state management in this area has been steadily improving.

The department has consistently ensured public access to planning information, facilitated public consultations, and addressed feedback from citizens and experts.

It has also maintained a regular and ad-hoc citizen reception schedule. Between October 1, 2021, and April 17, 2025, the department received 109 groups, including 14 large delegations. Notably, the number of large delegations peaked in 2023 and 2024 but has dropped to zero so far in 2025.

The department's inspectorate handled around 773 petitions and feedback during the same period, mostly concerning construction order, compensation, site clearance, resettlement, and planning.

Overall, the implementation of public engagement has improved awareness among public officials, contributing to a stronger sense of responsibility and better service to the people.

This shift has positively impacted work quality and performance across the department, and internal oversight by its affiliated bodies has become more effective and consistent.

Concluding the session, Nguyen Doan Toan, Head of the Party Committee's Commission for Publicity and Mass Mobilization, praised the department for its leadership and commitment to implementing the two directives.

He praised the department's efforts to promote public engagement as a regular and essential task, linking it with administrative reform and the application of digital technologies to enhance public service.

He also acknowledged the department's proactive steps in making planning processes more transparent, soliciting public and expert input in developing and adjusting planning schemes.

Coordination with other agencies and districts has improved, enabling the department to provide strategic advice on major urban projects and adjustments to the Capital Planning Scheme for submission to the Prime Minister.

Agreeing with the shortcomings identified during the session, Toan urged the department to develop concrete solutions to address them.

With Party Congresses approaching and higher economic targets expected in the next term, he emphasized that urban planning would play a vital role in Hanoi's sustainable development.

He called for visionary planning that reflects Hanoi's distinct identity and ensures those values are embedded in every project.

Looking ahead, Toan instructed the department to fully internalize and implement the two directives among its officials and staff, starting with the mindset of "mass mobilization begins with ourselves."

The Hanoi Party official stressed the need to deepen public engagement, especially in relations with other agencies and organizations.

He also called for stronger digital transformation, data digitization, and the use of appropriate technologies in planning to make information more accessible to citizens and businesses.

Dialogue and citizen engagement should be increased, especially in complex land clearance projects, to resolve legitimate concerns and reduce public frustration.

Toan emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing and adjusting planning schemes to align with practical conditions.

Administrative reform must continue, cutting procedural times while optimizing the department's organizational structure for better performance.

Ahead of the July 1, 2025 implementation of a new administrative unit model, Toan requested the department to prepare for the necessary decentralization and delegation of authority.

He also urged a review of the Capital Law to propose amendments relevant to the department's duties, enforce strict handling of violations, and strengthen inspection and supervision mechanisms to promptly identify and address issues.