When the government gets closer to the people.

Implementing a two-tiered local government model has led to faster and more convenient processing of many administrative procedures. A streamlined apparatus coupled with accelerated digital transformation is contributing to improved service quality for citizens and businesses.

Smooth and efficient

From the provincial level down to 102 communes, wards, and special zones, the transition of state management activities to the new model has been relatively smooth, affirming the correctness of the policy on reorganizing the administrative apparatus. Practical experience in these localities shows that the staff and civil servants have quickly adapted to the new working environment. Communes, wards, and special zones have promptly restructured their organizations, clearly assigned tasks, and operated in a more streamlined yet efficient manner.

Notably, many localities prioritize promoting digital transformation and applying information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in management, administration, and administrative procedures. At the same time, they are strengthening the reception and processing of feedback and suggestions from citizens. Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Hien, a resident of Vinh Te ward, shared: “I came to register my grandchild's birth, and the staff were very helpful and assisted, processing my request quickly and conveniently without long waits.”

Public officials handle administrative procedures for citizens at the Vinh Te Ward Public Administrative Service Center. Photo: Hanh Chau.

Commenting on the operation of the two-tiered government model at the local level, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, residing in Nhon Loc hamlet, Nhon My commune, said: “The new government is closer to the people and provides better service. In handling administrative procedures, officials are enthusiastic in their support, delivering results on time, and people don't have to travel back and forth multiple times.”

According to Nguyen Hoang Tuan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Nhon My commune, despite difficulties in infrastructure, the commune has proactively rearranged and reorganized working equipment, effectively utilizing existing headquarters and assets to serve the operation of the new administrative apparatus. As a result, the handling of administrative procedures for citizens and businesses has been maintained continuously and smoothly.

According to the Provincial People's Committee, after implementing the two-tiered local government model, administrative agencies at all levels have basically streamlined their organization, allocated sufficient personnel, and clearly defined functions, tasks, and authority. The administrative apparatus has been simplified, significantly reducing intermediate layers, contributing to budget savings, shortening work processing procedures, and improving operational efficiency. The responsibility of the head of each agency has been emphasized through regular inspection and supervision mechanisms. The arrangement and placement of cadres, civil servants, and public employees have been basically stable in terms of quantity and quality, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the apparatus after the implementation of the two-tiered local government model.

The new system operates closer to the people.

In addition to focusing on streamlining administrative procedures, local authorities are also proactively supporting people in economic development, production, and job creation. According to Mr. Ho Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Long Kien Commune People's Committee: “The commune collaborates with the Provincial Employment Service Center and businesses to connect labor supply and demand, helping people access labor market information, vocational training programs, and opportunities for overseas employment… This contributes to job creation, reducing the rate of unemployed labor, improving people's lives, and promoting socio-economic development in the locality.”

Ho Van Mung, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, noted that communes, wards, and special zones have demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and creativity in organizing and implementing tasks within their authority; gradually overcoming difficulties in personnel, offices, and working conditions, especially when taking on many new tasks. Some localities have developed good practices and effective models in operating the Public Administrative Service Center, contributing to improving the quality of service for citizens and businesses.

Furthermore, the acceleration of digital transformation and the implementation of numerous social welfare policies have contributed to bringing the government closer to the people. Many police officers and soldiers go to people's homes and hospital beds to issue citizen identification cards to the elderly and sick. In some localities, social insurance officials actively promote and support people in accessing insurance policies. Many medical staff do not shy away from difficulties, going to people's homes to examine patients and provide medicine to the elderly and families receiving social benefits... These practical actions not only help people access public services more conveniently but also contribute to spreading the image of dedicated, people-oriented, and selfless officials and civil servants who serve the people.

Mr. Luong Ngoc Lanh, a resident of Binh Duc ward, shared that previously, people had to go to medical facilities to get medical check-ups and treatment. Now, medical staff come to people's homes to provide free check-ups and medicine, clearly demonstrating the spirit of serving the people by the health sector, thereby making it more convenient for people, especially the elderly, to take care of their health.

Continue to remove obstacles.

Besides the positive results, the implementation of the two-tiered local government model also presents many challenges. According to Comrade Ho Van Mung, the biggest pressure currently is the significant increase in workload at the commune, ward, and special zone levels, as they have to take on many tasks previously under the district level and some tasks delegated from the province.

To reduce pressure on officials and civil servants, especially at the grassroots level, the province continues to promote digital transformation and the application of information technology in management and administration; strengthen decentralization and delegation of authority; simplify administrative procedures and reduce unnecessary paperwork. At the same time, it focuses on training and developing management skills, information technology application skills, and communication skills for officials and civil servants.

With the proactive efforts and determination of the entire political system, along with the sense of responsibility of the staff and civil servants, the two-tiered local government model in An Giang is gradually proving effective, aiming to build a modern, streamlined, efficient, and effective administration that serves the people even better.

HANH CHAU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/khi-chinh-quyen-den-gan-nguoi-dan-a487647.html