A mindset for going down to the village!

However, for many people, moving to the commune seems to be defined merely as a change of job position, workplace, and environment, without adequate preparation for a new career path where the requirement for officials to be close to the people, understand the people, and serve the people is highly emphasized.

An acquaintance of mine, who heads a specialized department at the district level, said during a recent morning coffee meeting: "Going down to the commune level should be easier. There's nothing to get so worked up about. 'When the water rises, the weeds float.'"

He might be thinking that working at the commune level will be the same as working at the district level; whatever the others do, he'll do the same. At most, it'll just be a change of title.

Moving to the commune level is a transition that not only requires better utilization of each official's professional capabilities but also adaptation to a new work environment. There will be no place for authoritarian leadership, simply giving orders without close supervision, and officials acting as they see fit, as has happened in some localities reported in the press.

The current district-level staff includes many knowledgeable and highly qualified individuals. However, working at the intermediate level, where job requirements are not overly specific or detailed, and are primarily focused on guidance and direction, doesn't demand strict adherence to a hands-on, step-by-step approach. But upon moving to the commune level, where the need to be close to the people, understand the local area, and directly address issues directly related to citizens requires these officials to possess additional skills and adapt quickly to the new work environment and demands. They must not only change their approach and attitude towards their work but also their behavior towards the people they interact with.

Regarding this requirement, Ta Van Ha, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Social Affairs, recently stated: "If you're a land surveyor, you must know every single plot of land and field; or if you work in social work, you must know and understand every village, even every family lineage in the area. If you can't adapt, you have to step aside."

District officials moving down to the commune level must adapt, otherwise they will be "left on the sidelines." This may sound harsh, but it's likely a realistic requirement for the upcoming commune-level official selection process. Those with qualifications, capabilities, and practical experience will be prioritized, rather than simply dissolving the higher-level administrative unit and mechanically transferring officials to the lower levels.

Each official should prepare themselves with the right mindset and skills so that they can "return to the commune" and immediately begin working.

Hanh Nhien

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tam-the-xuong-xa-249107.htm