Final article: Steadfastly moving forward on the journey to "Happy Awakening"

The achievements of the policy system

2024 marked a turning point in the journey of building a "Happy Province" when the "Happiness Index" of Yen Bai 's people reached 66.52%, an increase of 13.22% compared to 2020. This increase is not just the result of dry statistics, but the achievement of a policy system built on the foundation of placing people at the center of all development decisions.

Localities throughout the province have issued their own plans to improve the Happiness Index. From Nghia Lo town, aiming for comprehensive citizen satisfaction, to Mu Cang Chai district – where the Happiness Index soared to 56.53%, exceeding the target by 102.7%, and Van Yen district, with over 90% completion of the task of improving the Happiness Index this year – all demonstrate a strong, coordinated, and comprehensive political determination. Happiness cannot be sustainable without a solid economic foundation.

A model of tomato cultivation according to VietGAP standards in Nam Khat commune, Mu Cang Chai district.

Recognizing this, in 2024, Yen Bai implemented 232 specific tasks in Plan 163-KH/TU on improving the Happiness Index; in which, socio-economic development continued to play a central role. As a result, the province's GRDP growth rate is estimated at 7.91% - exceeding the set plan; per capita income reached 56.3 million VND, and total social development investment exceeded 21,000 billion VND. In particular, the tourism sector experienced a breakthrough with over 2.27 million visitors, a 33.7% increase compared to the initial plan. These figures not only reflect growth but also provide a tangible foundation for each citizen to enjoy a more prosperous, safer life and have greater expectations for the future.

Challenges

Yen Bai province has achieved remarkable progress in improving its people's happiness index. However, the province is also facing numerous challenges on its journey to realizing this goal. First, concretizing and implementing solutions to improve the happiness index is difficult because it is a new field with no precedent.

This shows that Yen Bai is pioneering in a field that demands high creativity and lacks established models. The next challenge stems from the limited awareness among some officials, civil servants, and citizens regarding the Happiness Index; furthermore, the survey and investigation process, as collecting and processing data accurately and effectively is crucial for correctly assessing the current situation and proposing appropriate solutions. The sometimes inadequate coordination among agencies, units, and localities in implementation is also a hindrance.

To achieve maximum effectiveness, seamless and synchronized coordination among all stakeholders is necessary, avoiding overlapping responsibilities and shirking accountability. Finally, funding for solutions to improve the Happiness Index is limited. Investing financial resources wisely and effectively is a key factor in ensuring the successful implementation of these solutions.

Synchronize solutions

Yen Bai province has clearly defined its goal: by 2025, the happiness index of its people will increase by 15% compared to the beginning of the term. With a long-term vision and a great aspiration, Yen Bai is gradually realizing its goal of becoming a rapidly and sustainably developing province in the direction of "Green, harmonious, distinctive, and happy." In this context, improving the happiness index of its people is no longer just a slogan but is being concretized through many consistent policies, persistent actions, and strong commitments from the provincial level to the grassroots.

According to Comrade Tran Huy Tuan, Secretary of the Yen Bai Provincial Party Committee, the happiness of the people is not only a goal but also a measure of the value of all policies and initiatives of the province. Economic development must be linked to human development, culture, and social justice. With this spirit, Yen Bai has determined that, to overcome the unique difficulties of a mountainous province, it is necessary to continue implementing many key solutions simultaneously. First and foremost is the effective implementation of socio-economic development policies, with particular emphasis on supporting ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups.

National target programs on sustainable poverty reduction, new rural development, and development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas continue to be the "backbone" of the strategy to comprehensively improve the quality of life. Simultaneously, the province focuses on linking economic growth with cultural development, promoting human values, and ensuring harmony between progress and social justice.

The restructuring of the administrative apparatus towards a streamlined, effective, and efficient model is being accelerated – not only to improve the capacity to serve the people, but also to build a service-oriented, people-friendly, and people-centered administration. The province also pays special attention to improving the capacity for resource management, environmental protection, disaster prevention, and climate change adaptation in the context of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

In the coming period, Yen Bai will regularly update and evaluate the implementation situation, replicate advanced model examples, learn from experience, and adjust policies flexibly. From a grassroots perspective, Tram Tau district - one of the particularly difficult areas - has also put forward specific directions and solutions to improve the Happiness Index.

According to Khang A Chua, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tram Tau District: "In the coming time, Tram Tau District will continue to implement many comprehensive solutions to improve the Happiness Index for its people. First of all, we clearly define that thoroughly understanding the goals, requirements, and tasks of the Happiness Index should not only stop at propaganda, but must become a guiding principle in the actions of the entire political system, from cadres and Party members to each individual citizen. We will focus on effectively implementing policies to support socio-economic development in accordance with the direction of the Provincial Party Committee, creating jobs, increasing income, and gradually improving the quality of life both materially and spiritually for the people."

In Van Yen district, many comprehensive solutions to improve the Happiness Index have been and are being implemented. Mr. Le Thanh Hung, Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee, shared: "In 2025, Van Yen district will focus on implementing comprehensive solutions to improve the quality of life for its people, striving to achieve a Happiness Index of 71%, an increase of 0.96% compared to 2024. To achieve this goal, we will continue to develop the economy in a sustainable direction, focusing on social welfare policies, improving living conditions, and protecting the environment. In addition, the district will also focus on raising awareness to mobilize the participation of the entire community, creating practical actions such as developing social housing models, improving infrastructure, and creating job opportunities for the people. These solutions will not only improve the Happiness Index but also awaken a strong desire for development in each citizen of Van Yen."

The journey towards becoming a "Happy Province" cannot be measured in years or terms of office, but in the smallest changes in people's lives. What Yen Bai has done and is doing is clear evidence of a development mindset that puts people first. The dream of a place that is "Green, harmonious, distinctive, and happy," as set out in the Resolution of the Provincial Party Congress, will no longer be far-fetched. Happiness is becoming more and more evident in every growth figure, every student's smile, every new house in remote areas, every dedicated official in the villages... The road ahead still holds many challenges, but with steadfastness, unity, and perseverance, Yen Bai will surely continue to move forward not only on its development journey but also on the path to sustainable happiness for all its people.

Hung Cuong

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/215/347910/Bai-cuoi-Vung-buoc-tren-hanh-trinh-Tinh-hanh-phuc.aspx