Abandon the "lifetime tenure" mindset

Two issues that have recently attracted public attention are the Government's official proposal to evaluate officials and civil servants quantitatively, based on KPIs (performance indicators); at the same time, the Ministry of Home Affairs affirmed that it is necessary to "abolish the lifelong tenure ticket" to create opportunities for talented people to join the public sector.

Our country is entering a new stage of development, requiring the state apparatus to be streamlined, efficient, and quickly adaptable to economic , social, and technological changes. Changing the mindset towards “lifetime tenure” and including KPIs in assessment is an opportunity to filter the apparatus, promote talented people, and create a driving force for innovation in the public sector.

Proposing to apply KPI index for state officials and civil servants, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the evaluation of officials will shift from qualitative to quantitative, based on results and specific products associated with the job position. In other words, those who do well will be recognized; those who do poorly will be reminded, even fired if they repeat. But KPI is just a tool, the core issue is still people and organizational culture. Therefore, the mindset must change from within: officials must be people serving society, accountable to the people. Evaluation is no longer a formality of "self-criticism, criticism", but must be linked to practical data, with post-checking, and clear discipline.

At the same time, the legal system needs to be amended accordingly. As proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants needs to supplement regulations on the mechanism of screening, disciplining, and dismissing based on KPI assessment results. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure the right to appeal and make the assessment process transparent to avoid abuse of power or suppression of individuals who do not "please their superiors". In addition, there needs to be a transparent and competitive mechanism for recruiting and promoting talented people. Once the opportunity to enter the public sector is no longer "based on relationships and acquaintances", but on capacity and KPI implementation results, then the way will truly be paved for enthusiastic young people to participate in the national governance apparatus.

Abandoning the “lifetime tenure” mindset and applying KPIs in evaluating cadres and civil servants is not just an administrative technical innovation, but a systemic transformation, deeply intervening in the civil service culture and the foundation of the state apparatus. A comprehensive and synchronous design is needed from laws to technical tools, from cadre awareness to social expectations.

TRAN PHUOC

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/thoi-su/thoi-su-goc-nhin/202505/bo-tu-duy-bien-che-suot-doi-8be09f5/