Correcting the situation of avoiding responsibility - Lesson 2: Don't be passive, slowing down the common progress

The procedures are still cumbersome.

Recently, the Provincial Business Association has continuously received feedback and suggestions from businesses regarding proposals or requests submitted to some departments and agencies that are very slow to respond or are only forwarded to higher levels without being resolved within their authority. In some places, dossiers are even left "pending" without clear reasons, causing frustration and forcing many businesses to seek help from higher levels of government.

One of the most prominent issues reported by many businesses is the delay in processing investment procedures. Businesses have completed all necessary documents, but when dealing with relevant authorities, they are repeatedly asked to supplement their files without clear explanations. No one dares to sign off on approvals; the files are simply passed around between departments, prolonging the process and causing businesses to miss opportunities for expansion. Na Hang Ecotourism Joint Stock Company stated that they had completed investment procedures, but their land-related paperwork was stalled for over a year because officials were afraid of taking responsibility and refused to sign. This delay caused project delays and discouraged investors.

Manufactured by Tuyen Quang Iron and Steel Company Limited.

The province's program to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has many preferential policies, but during implementation, many businesses complain that they encounter numerous obstacles from the authorities themselves. This is because officials do not proactively provide adequate guidance and support, leading many businesses to either learn about the policies on their own or simply abandon them altogether. This reduces the effectiveness of the policies and fails to unleash the potential of the business community.

The issue of outstanding payments for completed projects is also a major headache for many businesses. According to the Association's report, some projects have been completed and put into use for many years, but the final settlement and payment have yet to be finalized, putting businesses in a difficult financial situation. A typical example is the project to level the fields, build internal roads and irrigation canals in Kim Phu field. Businesses completed this project between 2004 and 2006, almost 20 years ago, but the investor has still not finalized the legal documents such as drawings and cost estimates to sign official contracts with contractors. This prolonged situation not only prevents businesses from receiving payment but also exposes them to numerous legal risks.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thap, Chairman of the Business Association, stated that the prolonged delay in processing applications, cumbersome administrative procedures, and the indecisiveness of officials cause businesses to spend more time and money completing legal procedures. This reduces investment efficiency and affects the competitiveness of businesses. When faced with difficulties and obstacles that are not resolved promptly, businesses become discouraged and lose faith in the support of the local government. This not only affects future investment decisions but also negatively impacts the overall investment environment of the province.

The avoidance of responsibility is not only occurring in the investment sector but has also spread to many other areas, including the implementation of important socio -economic development projects in the province. Delays in land clearance, land procedure approval, and other related issues have caused many infrastructure projects, industrial parks, and eco-tourism areas to be stalled or delayed, affecting the overall development goals of the province.

If you're not going to do it, then stand aside.

Comrade Nguyen Manh Tuan, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, frankly stated that the root cause of these shortcomings and limitations is the lack of proactive, thorough, creative, flexible, and decisive leadership, direction, and management by some Party committees and authorities. Some leading and managerial officials still show signs of shirking and avoiding responsibility. Coordination between sectors, levels, and localities is sometimes not tight enough, especially in the process of coordinating and participating in the appraisal of investment policies for non-budgetary projects. Many agencies and units are slow to provide opinions on whether to approve or disapprove investment policies for investors, leading to prolonged processing times for investors.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thap also stated: Many officials are afraid of making mistakes and taking responsibility, especially in the context of increasingly intensified inspection and auditing work; making decisions and approving documents can lead to legal risks, disciplinary action, or even prosecution if errors occur. When problems arise, officials often tend to shift responsibility to higher levels to avoid personal risks. This not only delays the resolution of issues but also creates a sluggish and inactive administrative system.

At meetings of the Provincial People's Committee, Chairman Nguyen Van Son always emphasized the message: "Those who don't work should step aside." This is a resolute and clear message in the process of directing and managing work, especially for officials who still have a mindset of avoiding difficulties, fearing mistakes, shirking responsibility, and working half-heartedly. This message not only demonstrates the determination to build a dynamic, disciplined, and efficient administrative apparatus but also serves as a message to all officials and civil servants in the government system: If you lack the capacity, are unwilling to take responsibility, and are afraid to act for the common good, then give way to someone more deserving, someone with a spirit of dedication, who dares to think and act. The administrative apparatus cannot operate effectively if each link within it is slow and sluggish. In the context of the province's efforts to accelerate administrative reform, attract investment, and promote socio-economic development, we cannot allow a segment of conservative and passive officials to slow down the overall progress.

It can be said that the issue of officials shirking responsibility is a pressing problem, requiring decisive action from the entire political system. Rectifying this situation is not only an urgent requirement but also a key factor determining the sustainable development of the province. With strong messages and specific solutions, the provincial government is demonstrating a high level of determination in building a proactive, honest, and service-oriented administrative apparatus that best serves the people and businesses. However, to achieve this goal, the concerted efforts of all officials and civil servants are needed, along with close supervision from the people and businesses.

(to be continued)

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/chan-chinh-tinh-trang-ne-tranh-trach-nhiem-bai-2-khong-thu-dong-lam-cham-buoc-tien-chung-210138.html