Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trịnh Việt Hùng said compensation, support and resettlement policies for people whose land is acquired should help them improve their housing, living conditions and livelihoods.
He spoke during the ongoing session of the 16th National Assembly in Hà Nội on Thursday, as deputies discussed shifting the Land Law from compensating people for acquired assets to rebuilding their lives.
Most National Assembly deputies supported the carefully prepared draft law while proposing amendments to improve its provisions.
Land acquisition, compensation, support and resettlement were among the main issues under discussion because they directly affect people's interests and the implementation of socio-economic development projects.
The draft law would prioritise improved living conditions and livelihood recovery after land acquisition rather than focusing only on the value of compensated assets.
The minister said the regulations must prevent abuse of land acquisition while avoiding unnecessary obstacles to project implementation.
The draft also seeks to simplify administrative procedures and promote digital transformation in land management.
Each land plot would receive a unique nationwide identification code to connect it with national databases.
Once land data are fully and consistently updated, agencies handling administrative procedures would not be allowed to ask citizens to resubmit documents already available in the published land database.
Deputies called for simpler procedures for issuing land-use rights certificates, a standard method for determining land price adjustment coefficients and stronger independent oversight to protect citizens and businesses.
Deputy Võ Ngọc Thanh Trúc from Hồ Chí Minh City called for transparent compensation rates and faster land procedures.
She said the current revision of the Land Law should help unlock resources for development, keep management transparent and protect people's legitimate rights and interests.
Authorities need to address shortcomings in land databases, including missing and inaccurate data, as well as delays in processing land-related applications, she said. Problems in the data system must not force people to make repeated visits to administrative offices.
Deputies also supported a policy under which the State determines land prices, while local authorities set land price tables and adjustment coefficients based on principles and criteria established by the central Government. The change is expected to shorten the time needed to determine land prices, reduce compliance costs and speed up project implementation.
The draft revised Land Law comprises 13 chapters and 112 articles, three chapters and 148 articles fewer than the 2024 law.
The National Assembly is scheduled to consider and vote on the draft on November 21.
Sources: Viet Nam News
