Decentralization efficiency

Since implementing the two-tiered local government model on July 1, 2025, Coc San commune has seen significant changes: the decentralization of authority, with clear responsibilities and deadlines, has helped to resolve administrative procedures more quickly and accurately. Documents are digitized, allowing citizens to check their status online or at the Public Administrative Service Center; matters exceeding local authority are transferred to higher levels in accordance with regulations and within specified processing deadlines.

A view of the working environment at the Coc San Commune Public Administrative Service Center.

Given its high population density, the commune prioritizes streamlining the administrative apparatus, improving service quality, and shortening processing times. Coc San commune has identified the need to reorganize processes by establishing clear responsibilities, increasing administrative discipline, and promoting digital transformation to ensure uninterrupted workflow.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Coc San commune, said that the spirit of the two-tier model is to delegate authority to the grassroots level in areas that can be resolved right at the commune level, along with the tools and responsibilities for implementation.

Tasks that can be done at the commune level should be assigned to the commune level, along with responsibilities and the necessary tools for implementation. We see this as a more streamlined and efficient system, with a clear delineation of functions and responsibilities between the provincial and commune levels.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh - Vice Chairperson of the People's Committee of Coc San Commune.

According to Ms. Quynh, the commune has been decentralized and empowered in many areas, such as land management, construction, social welfare, security and order, authentication, and civil registration. Among these, administrative procedure reform is prioritized. The locality maintains a rate of over 80% for delivering results early or ahead of schedule; the remaining procedures are processed on time, with no delays.

Notably, each task has a designated person or entity responsible. From the One-Stop Service center to specialized departments, files are clearly categorized by person, task, and processing deadline.

Data from the Coc San Commune Public Administrative Service Center shows that, from July 1st to November 19th, 2025, the Center received 1,621 applications, including 1,564 online applications and 57 in-person applications (corresponding to approximately 96.5% of applications submitted digitally). 1,508 applications were processed on time; the remainder are within the processing period or have been temporarily suspended, returned, or canceled according to regulations.

According to Mr. Le Tuan Anh, Deputy Director of the Coc San Commune Public Administrative Service Center, when implementing the two-tier model, the province has decentralized the process to allow communes to handle many procedures right at the grassroots level. The process is organized in a more streamlined way: documents are received at the One-Stop Service department, transferred to the specialized department for appraisal, and then reviewed and approved by the commune leaders.

Eliminating intermediaries shortens processing times and ensures citizens receive results promptly.

Mr. Le Tuan Anh - Deputy Director of the Public Administrative Service Center of Coc San Commune.

A bustling work atmosphere prevails at the Economic Department of Coc San commune.

Following the administrative unit merger, the scope of data management has expanded. Mr. Ha Anh Duc, Head of the Economic Department of Coc San Commune, stated that the commune has implemented specialized software for land management, business registration, and construction permits, integrated with a common management system. Officials use specialized software to process documents while simultaneously synchronizing data to the shared system for statistics and reporting.

"This method helps process documents accurately and in accordance with regulations while still meeting deadlines. When reviewing land management, construction permits, or production and business activities, only a few search steps are needed; periodic reports are compiled quickly and contain more complete data," Mr. Duc shared.

In the socio-cultural field, the effectiveness of decentralization is reflected in the proactive role of local authorities. Ms. Truong Thi Van Anh, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Coc San commune, stated that the department can directly handle and advise on policies related to social welfare, education, health, and grassroots cultural activities without having to wait through multiple intermediate levels. As a result, decision-making time is shortened, policies are tailored to the needs of each village and hamlet, and coordination between professional departments and local authorities is more flexible.

From the perspective of the people, the most noticeable difference is that the procedures are simpler and the status of their applications is clearer.

Administrative procedures have been streamlined and simplified. Today I went to the Public Administration Center to complete the procedure for gifting property from my parents to my wife and me. The staff provided enthusiastic advice and guidance, and the procedure was quick and efficient.

Ms. Dinh Thi Trang, Coc San commune.

The changes in Coc San commune show that decentralization is not just about assigning tasks, but about reorganizing the way things are done in a way that clearly defines responsibilities, provides tools, ensures supervision, sets deadlines, and places the people at the center.

When records are digitized, the process becomes transparent, with each task linked to a designated contact person; matters exceeding authority are forwarded to higher levels in accordance with regulations and within deadlines, and bottlenecks causing delays are clearly identified.

As a result, the effectiveness and efficiency of local government operations have improved, and people's satisfaction levels have increased.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/hieu-qua-phan-cap-post888324.html