The workload has increased significantly, allowances haven't been adjusted in a timely manner, and the risk of future changes and reassignments is causing considerable concern for many. Nevertheless, at the grassroots level, village heads and neighborhood group leaders quietly shoulder their responsibilities, staying close to the people and striving to fulfill their assigned duties effectively.

The head of the neighborhood group distributed rice to support residents after the recent consecutive floods.

The work is more strenuous.

From July 1st, 2025, along with the elimination of intermediate levels, many tasks previously coordinated by the district level will be transferred down to the commune and ward levels, and subsequently concentrated in villages and residential areas. This will make the role of village heads and residential area leaders more demanding than ever before.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Trung, Head of Residential Group 17, 18 An Dong (An Cuu Ward), said that after implementing the new model, he was forced to quit his evening part-time job because he no longer had time. "The work is heavy, and I have to be constantly close to the community and the people. Sometimes I don't have time to take care of my family, but I still have to try my best to complete my duties," Mr. Trung shared.

Village heads and neighborhood group leaders today not only carry out propaganda and mobilization work to encourage people to implement the Party's guidelines and policies and the State's laws, but also coordinate the implementation of many administrative, public relations, and social welfare tasks; participate in monitoring the situation and promptly reflecting the thoughts and suggestions of the people; resolve conflicts within the community; and participate in responding to natural disasters, epidemics, and unexpected situations related to security and order.

Mr. Le Van Cu, head of Nhat Phong residential group (Phong Dinh ward), said that after the merger, the residential group's area is larger, the travel distance is greater, and the number of meetings has almost doubled compared to before. “Previously, we had about 5 meetings a month, now it's increased to 10. The current task of the village head and residential group leader is to focus on propaganda work, reviewing poor and near-poor households to propose effective solutions with the motto 'no one is left behind'. The workload is heavier, but the policies and benefits remain the same; nothing has changed. Each month, I only receive an allowance of 3,040,000 VND,” Mr. Cu said.

Try to fulfill your responsibilities.

The CQDP2C model places high demands on seamless information flow, efficient management, and the application of digital technology . However, many village heads and neighborhood group leaders are elderly, have limited IT skills, lack formal training in administrative skills, community mobilization, and basic law, and face difficulties accessing digital platforms, management software, and electronic reporting. The gap between the requirements of modern management and actual conditions and capabilities means that many village heads and neighborhood group leaders are learning and adapting simultaneously. In this context, without appropriate support mechanisms, the risk of overload is unavoidable.

Besides work pressure, another concern facing village heads and neighborhood group leaders is the risk of losing their current positions as the administrative apparatus continues to be restructured and streamlined. Many village heads and neighborhood group leaders are worried about their roles and positions when there is a policy encouraging part-time officials at the ward and commune levels to run for village head or neighborhood group leader positions.

According to the authorities, this is a policy of encouragement and priority, not a mandatory deployment. Village heads and neighborhood group leaders will still be elected by the people. Knowing this, many village heads and neighborhood group leaders currently working at the grassroots level still feel apprehensive about the upcoming changes.

During the recent consecutive floods in Hue City, residents consistently saw village heads and neighborhood group leaders working closely with the people, assisting them in overcoming difficulties and improving their lives. Currently, these village heads and neighborhood group leaders are continuing to disseminate information about the 80th anniversary of the first General Election to elect the Vietnamese National Assembly (January 6, 1946 - January 6, 2026), the 14th National Congress of the Party, the election of representatives to the 16th National Assembly, and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, as well as many other tasks in social life that require the support of these grassroots village heads and neighborhood group leaders.

They are the people closest to the community, understand the people best, and promptly grasp emerging issues at the grassroots level to report and make recommendations to higher authorities. This dedication contributes to maintaining stability in residential areas and ensuring that policies and guidelines are implemented smoothly and effectively. “Regardless of the circumstances or environment, we are determined to strive to fulfill our duties and responsibilities to the people. The people trust, respect, and expect us to do their best, which is why they elected us. Therefore, we must always wholeheartedly serve the people, the Party committee, and the local government,” confided Mr. Le Viet Cu, Head of Nhat Phong Residential Group (Phong Dinh Ward).

Along with streamlining the administrative apparatus, the State needs to promptly implement policies providing allowances and support commensurate with the workload and nature of the work; and strengthen training and skill development, especially in management, public relations, and digital transformation, for village heads and neighborhood group leaders. Only then will the frontline workforce at the grassroots level feel secure in their work and continue to play a bridging role between "the Party's will and the people's hearts" according to the 2C model of local government.

Text and photos: PHONG ANH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/nhung-tran-tro-o-tuyen-dau-161598.html