Ca Mau: Imprints from the two-level local government model – A step in the right direction in administrative reform

The first three months of operating the two-level local government model, although not long, have marked a meaningful journey for Ca Mau province - a pioneering locality in the effort to create a streamlined, effective, efficient and closer-to-the-people administrative apparatus. The initial results achieved are proof of the correct policy, demonstrating the decisive participation of the entire political system, aiming to create a breakthrough in reforming the apparatus organization, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of management and serving the people and businesses.

Administrative procedures at commune-level units in Ca Mau are being simplified to create the most convenience for people.

Resolutely reorganize the apparatus, taking people as the center of service

Immediately after the National Assembly and the National Assembly Standing Committee issued a resolution on the organization of a two-level local government model, the Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee demonstrated its proactiveness and determination in leadership and direction. A series of documents were issued promptly, concretizing policies into actions, ensuring synchronous and unified implementation from the province to the grassroots.

The highlight is the work of arranging and streamlining the apparatus in a reasonable and effective direction. At the provincial level, 13 specialized agencies under the Provincial People's Committee were formed on the basis of consolidation, creating a scientific and smooth administrative structure. Along with that, 7 agencies and public service units of the Party and 4 Party Committees directly under the Provincial Party Committee were consolidated, ensuring smooth and unified operation. At the commune level, 64/64 communes and wards quickly established party organizations, advisory agencies, and specialized departments according to the new model and put into stable operation from the first day. Notably, 100% of communes and wards have had Public Administration Service Centers, clearly demonstrating the orientation of "taking people as the center of service", a step forward from "management" to "service".

Personnel work is implemented closely and transparently, ensuring succession and promoting the capacity of the team. The Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee has agreed on a list of more than 50 source cadres to strengthen the grassroots, many of whom are assigned to key positions, contributing to improving the quality of management and service capacity at the commune level.

According to comrade Pham Thanh Ngai, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee: "The measure of success of every reform is people's satisfaction and work efficiency". After three months of operation, the telling numbers have confirmed that the model is on the right track.

In fact, after three months of operation, the numbers have confirmed that the model is on the right track. The whole province has received 88,429 administrative records, of which 7,581 records at the provincial level and 80,848 records at the communal level. The indicators for serving people and businesses are among the top 34 localities nationwide. Specifically: The rate of online submissions reached 76.05% (ranked 6/34); the rate of online payments reached 85.94% (ranked 6/34); the rate of timely settlement of records reached 95.05% (ranked 6/34); the level of people's satisfaction reached over 95%.

Director of the Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Phuong Bac said that Ca Mau was ranked highly in basic indicators such as: Regular exploitation of national databases reached 95.31% (rank 2/34); system readiness in receiving online records reached 95.31% (rank 2/34); implementation of solutions to ensure information safety and security reached 93.75% (rank 3/34). Mr. Nguyen Phuong Bac emphasized: "Information technology infrastructure is the backbone of digital government, contributing to the effective operation of the two-level local government model according to the motto: Few people but covering many jobs, many tasks".

From identifying difficulties to taking strong action for a serving administration

In addition to the outstanding results, the leaders of Ca Mau province frankly acknowledged some difficulties that need to be resolved soon. The merger has caused the commune-level area to expand, the workload to increase, creating great pressure on the staff and civil servants. The professional qualifications of a number of commune-level officials are still limited, especially in areas such as land, finance, construction, and information technology.

Infrastructure also has many shortcomings: Many communes have to use 2-3 scattered headquarters, public administrative equipment is lacking and degraded, and the digitization of records has not been completed. The main reason is determined to be the uneven staff, there is still a situation of "both excess and shortage" of expertise.

Based on that reality, the Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee has proposed 9 key task groups to continue perfecting the model. Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Ho Hai emphasized that the top priority is to continue restructuring and improving the quality of the staff and civil servants by completing vacant positions; at the same time, promoting training and fostering, especially digital technology skills and modern administrative management.

The province also focuses resources on investing in information technology infrastructure, upgrading the Public Administration Service Center, and perfecting the shared data management system. The digitization of records is accelerated, ensuring safety, synchronization, and longevity.

At the same time, Ca Mau proposed that the Government and central ministries and branches support resources, provide guidance on job positions, salary policies, and national data synchronization techniques to create a solid legal corridor so that staff can work with peace of mind and dedication.

The conference to review 2 months of operating the 2-level local government model assessed that after 2 months of operating the 2-level local government model, the province has achieved a number of important results in management, administration, and service to people and businesses.

After three months of implementation, despite many challenges, Ca Mau is proving the right direction. The two-level local government model is not only a change in organizational structure, but also a fundamental shift in governance thinking, from administrative management to administrative service, towards a modern, transparent, professional and closer-to-the-people administration than ever before.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/ca-mau-dau-an-tu-mo-hinh-chinh-quyen-dia-phuong-hai-cap-buoc-di-dung-huong-trong-cai-cach-hanh-chinh-197251103173909584.htm