All state bodies that were formerly under the Prime Minister’s Office have now been transferred to merge with existing ministries as part of the government’s efforts to streamline administration.
The National Commission for the Advancement of Women and the National Commission for Mothers and Children, previously under the Prime Minister’s Office, now falls under the mandate of the Lao Women’s Union.
In another move, the Lao Red Cross is now the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
The restructuring was approved by a two-day government meeting that ended recently and was chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office and Government Spokesman Dr Chaleun Yiapaoher spoke to Lao media after the meeting about the reorganisation of government agencies.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone has become the president of the two commissions while President of the Lao Women’s Union Dr Inlavanh Keobounphanh is Standing Vice President and directs the commission’s activities, he said.
The government also agreed to merge the secretariats of the two commissions for transfer to the Lao Women’s Union.
Provincial and district branches of the two commissions will be merged with local Women’s Union branches.
Following the reshuffle, the Prime Minister’s Office will serve as a secretariat for the prime minister in all areas as well as collaborating with ministries and local authorities.
Ministers, provincial governors and the Vientiane Mayor are directly responsible to the prime minister with respect to all the tasks delegated to them.
The restructuring took place after the new government assumed office in April, aimed at simplifying the administration and avoiding duplication among state departments.
Last month, the government held a ceremony to announce the reassignment of various agencies.
For example, the Lao National Committee for Special Economic Zones, previously under the Prime Minister’s Office, is now part of the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
The National Leading Committee for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (NLCRDPE), previously under the Prime Minister’s Office, is now part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Political grassroots building affairs, previously under the NLCRDPE, are now the responsibility of the Party Central Committee’s Office.
The National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision is now under the Ministry of Public Security. Unexploded ordnance clearance, previously under the NLCRDPE, is now part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
The government still comprises 18 ministries and three ministry-equivalent organisations.
The government reviewed the roles of various ministries to prevent duplication and ensure that all agencies perform efficiently.
Source: Vientiane Times
