The competence of commune officials

The Ministry of Interior has completed a review of the job list across the entire public sector. At the commune level, the agency proposed 43 job positions, including 4 new ones. This raises many questions about the current state of commune-level officials.

Officials in Phu Thong commune handle administrative procedures for residents. Photo: Provided.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: The commune level is closest to the people, the foundation of administration; if the commune level does its job well, then all other tasks will be completed. In the context of the local government apparatus being reorganized towards a streamlined, effective, and efficient structure, the commune level has become the frontline for directly implementing the Party and State's policies and guidelines. Therefore, the volume and nature of the work are increasing, and the demands on officials are consequently higher and more complex.

In reality, all policies and guidelines are implemented at the grassroots level. Therefore, commune officials must first and foremost be "multitalented," capable of handling many different areas. Simultaneously, key commune-level officials need to possess strong character, qualifications, skills, experience, and a comprehensive mindset. They must be able to analyze, evaluate, and flexibly handle situations within their authority; and at the same time, promptly identify and resolve emerging socio-psychological characteristics within the community.

A competent commune official needs to be professionally competent, possess a scientific perspective, have insightful vision, be capable of comprehensive management, know how to mobilize the people's strength, and rely on the people to accomplish tasks. They need to constantly stay close to the grassroots, listen to what the people say, explain things clearly to the people, and set a good example to gain the people's trust. When the people trust them, the local government will be strong, and all policies will be implemented smoothly.

According to the Ministry of Interior , as of the end of 2024, the whole country had 212,606 commune-level officials and civil servants, of which 92.4% had a university degree or higher. In terms of qualifications, this is an encouraging rate. However, in reality, where commune officials have to directly interact with and understand countless issues related to the thoughts, lives, and feelings of the people, a degree is only a necessary condition. The sufficient conditions for forming a quality team of officials also include courage, practical experience, interpersonal skills, and the ability to understand the people's sentiments.

In reality, textbook knowledge alone is insufficient to solve all problems, especially those arising daily. At such times, perceptiveness, critical thinking, and communication skills become "soft weapons" that help officials handle work effectively, appropriately, and reasonably. Therefore, commune-level officials who truly want to "fulfill their roles and master their duties" must possess a high sense of responsibility, dedication, commitment to their work, and patience in the face of the people's confusion and lack of understanding.

Commune officials are where the gap between the government and the people is most clearly demonstrated. Their character, competence, and style reflect the strength of the grassroots administration and are a measure of the people's trust in the Party and the State.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202510/ban-linh-can-bo-xa-cee0bd1/