Bac Ninh: Transformation through a service-oriented government.

BAC NINH - The two-tiered local government model, operational since July 1st, has brought about noticeable changes at the grassroots level. These changes are not only reflected in reports or resolutions, but are clearly felt by the people through administrative procedures, transportation services, free movie screenings, and above all, an improved quality of life.

A streamlined and transparent system.

After the reorganization, the province now has 99 commune-level administrative units (a reduction of 214 units), 15 departments and equivalent agencies (a reduction of 15 units), 123 offices, 2 sub-departments, and 184 public service units. The reorganization not only aimed to reduce the number of administrative units but, more importantly, to clearly define the functions, tasks, and responsibilities of each department and each official; overcoming the situation of "seeking opinions from multiple levels." The unified operating mechanism with clear responsibilities has contributed to reducing opportunities for corruption, increasing transparency, and building trust among the people.

Officials at the Provincial Public Administrative Service Center always prioritize the satisfaction of citizens and businesses as their service goal.

At the Provincial Public Administrative Service Center, all procedures under the provincial authority are received, processed, and results returned according to a unified and fully digitized process. The file processing procedure is continuously monitored, allowing citizens to track their file status step by step. As a result, the province's rate of on-time and early processing of applications consistently remains above 99%. Mr. Nguyen Van Bay from Bac Giang ward shared: “Now, we don't have to go to many places to complete procedures; the files are clearly organized, and the staff and the time for returning results are transparent, so we feel completely at ease. The center is spacious, clean, air-conditioned, has ample seating, and provides complimentary drinks. Every time I come here, I feel warm and appreciate the government's concern for the people.” Mr. Nguyen Manh Hieu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Kinh Bac Ward, said: "Every day, the ward receives more than 100 applications, most of which are processed on the same day. Complex land-related procedures are also fully explained, avoiding the need for people to make multiple trips."

Another significant development is the strong increase in online public services. The province has provided almost all administrative procedures related to businesses and many other procedures online, while shortening processing times and allowing citizens and businesses to submit applications at any center or reception point in the province without being restricted by administrative boundaries. To better serve the people, many communes and wards have created innovative models such as "Saturday for the People," "Youth Teams supporting online public services," and Zalo groups connecting citizens directly with the one-stop service department. The "5 Clear" model: Clear person, clear task, clear responsibility, clear deadline, clear result, has been applied synchronously. According to results published on the National Public Service Portal, for the past 12 consecutive weeks, Bac Ninh province has led the country in the quality of service provided to citizens and businesses in the electronic environment, as evidenced by high scores in indicators such as: document digitization, online public services, online payments, and citizen satisfaction levels.

Free transportation - spreading the care of the government.

Along with administrative procedure reforms, Bac Ninh also implemented many activities that directly served the cultural and spiritual lives of the people. During major events such as the Autumn Fair; the exhibition "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" held at the National Exhibition Center (Dong Anh commune, Hanoi ); or most recently, the Bac Ninh Province Fruit Festival held in Chu ward… tens of thousands of people participated in free shuttle services organized by the province.

The province regularly organizes free shuttle services to major events for the public.

Ms. Minh Nguyet from Kinh Bac ward and Mr. Son, an elderly resident of Bac Giang ward, both expressed their joy at receiving free transportation. Ms. Nguyet emotionally said: “My family wanted to see the exhibition ‘80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness’ but worried about transportation. When we learned that the province had arranged free transportation, the whole family immediately registered. The trip was not only convenient but also made me clearly feel the affection and thoughtful care of the government.” Mr. Son added: “I am very excited to participate in the event without worrying about transportation. This support is truly practical and humane.”

When the film "Red Rain" was released, the province and many communes and wards organized free screenings, creating opportunities for people to watch it. Veterans from the Association of Soldiers of the Quang Tri Citadel in Bac Giang City (formerly) gathered to watch and share their emotions. Watching the film, they relived the arduous days of fighting, feeling moved and proud. They also expressed gratitude for the thoughtful attention of the government. These simple but meaningful activities contribute to spreading cultural values, creating community cohesion, and demonstrating the spirit of "government serving the people." According to Mr. Do Tuan Khoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, organizing free shuttle services and community cultural activities not only supports the people but also promotes the image of Bac Ninh as a province rich in tradition, dynamic, and civilized.

Superior social security policy

2025 also marks the widespread implementation of many excellent social welfare policies. Over 500,000 students in 745 preschools and primary schools will benefit from the "School Milk Program," with parents only having to pay 25% of the cost. Students will receive tuition fee exemptions and reductions; people aged 60 and above will receive health insurance; and those aged 70 and above will receive an additional 200,000 VND per month… Policies for vulnerable groups will be fully implemented and targeted correctly. Ms. Nguyen Thi Da (76 years old, Tu Lan ward), who is raising her 10-year-old orphaned grandchild, said that each month she and her grandchild receive a total of 4.6 million VND in subsidies, including her and her grandchild's social retirement allowance and poverty alleviation benefits.

Ms. Da explained: “With that subsidy, my granddaughter and I feel very secure. My granddaughter can go to school, I can get medical checkups using my health insurance card, and we have extra money to cover daily living expenses.” These practical policies show that Bac Ninh not only reforms its administrative apparatus but also cares for the lives of each citizen, so that every family feels the protection and support of the State. Simultaneously, activities supporting employment, vocational training, and care for families of war veterans continue to expand; the program to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses has been largely completed ahead of schedule, and most policy beneficiary households have achieved a living standard at or above average.

The outstanding results in 2025 show that the most significant change in Bac Ninh is not only the streamlined administrative apparatus, but also the more transparent, friendly, and efficient way the government serves the people. Bac Ninh is gradually asserting its position as a dynamic, creative, and pioneering locality in building a service-oriented administration, contributing to improving the quality of life and strengthening the trust of the people. During the year, the province successfully completed all 16 criteria for the transformation of the two-tiered local government (phase 1), ranking second nationwide, and also sixth nationally in the Innovation Index (PII). This is vivid evidence of the correct direction in administrative reform, digital transformation, and innovative management thinking, always putting the people and businesses at the center.

Text and photos: Thu Phong

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bac-ninh-doi-thay-tu-chinh-quyen-phuc-vu-postid433696.bbg