Service-oriented administrative thinking

With the official implementation of the two-tiered local government model from July 1st, the entire country is witnessing a powerful shift in governance thinking: moving from an administrative mindset to a service-oriented mindset. This mindset has been repeatedly emphasized by General Secretary To Lam at many important conferences and is being concretized through the practical actions of officials, especially the leaders of localities during this period.

In recent days, images of the Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Pham Van Thinh, participating in a livestream to sell Luc Ngan lychees have made a very positive impression on many people. In the 6-hour livestream, more than 54 tons of lychees were sold. But the impression wasn't just about the numbers, but about the image of the provincial official standing alongside the farmers, personally introducing the produce, chatting in a simple, down-to-earth voice, and demonstrating a high sense of responsibility. In this simple buying and selling activity, Vice Chairman Pham Van Thinh not only contributed to the consumption of local agricultural products but also sent a strong message to the public: The government is not distant from the people, it doesn't just direct from afar, but is ready to roll up its sleeves and take action.

The livestream featuring the Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee was shared as a spontaneous act, but it accurately reflected the spirit repeatedly emphasized by the Party, State, and Government leaders: shifting from "doing everything responsibly" to "doing things thoroughly," earning the trust, approval, and support of the people. This mindset requires officials not to confine themselves within rigid administrative procedures, but to prioritize effective service to the people. The government must not only follow procedures but also proactively do things well and practically, making the people feel respected, supported, and assisted.

The shift towards a service-oriented mindset is also concretized in the organization and operation of the administrative apparatus, typically exemplified by the model of the Public Administrative Service Center. These are no longer simply the old-style "one-stop shop" where citizens typically submit documents and wait to be called; today's centers have become truly service spaces.

The story of Ms. Duong Thi Hanh (80 years old, residing in Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), who came to complete the procedures for receiving elderly allowance on the first day of the two-tiered local government system's operation, is one example. She felt delighted to receive a friendly greeting from the security team, enthusiastic guidance from youth union members, and was served tea, refreshments, and snacks in a clean, pleasant waiting area. These are small details, but they demonstrate a significant shift in the service mindset of government agencies.

Previously, many localities in Ho Chi Minh City implemented models where the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the People's Committee of wards and districts directly worked at the one-stop service center to participate with officials and civil servants in resolving administrative procedures for citizens. Or models where ward and district leaders went down to residential areas to engage in dialogue and directly address difficulties and obstacles for residents… These models have proven effective and should continue to be implemented.

Now, with the two-tiered local government model, as decentralization and delegation of power are intensified, it requires commune-level leaders to more frequently and directly supervise the Public Administrative Service Center to ensure closer attention and support for the people. Furthermore, in the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation, along with the Project "Development of applications of population data, identification and electronic authentication to serve national digital transformation in the period 2022-2025, with a vision to 2030," local government leaders must urgently apply digital technology and digital administration to serve the people, reducing inconvenience and waste for citizens. When officials are no longer simply "receiving citizens" but truly "accompanying the people," the gap between the government and the people will gradually narrow.

In the current context, to move the country forward, it is essential to innovate thinking, change approaches, and dare to do groundbreaking, unprecedented things. The central focus must always be on the people with the highest spirit of service. This requires each leader, especially the top leader, to have the courage to take responsibility, be ready to embrace new things, and upgrade themselves to overcome conservatism and stagnation, and keep pace with the increasingly high demands of the development process.

THU HUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tu-duy-hanh-chinh-phuc-vu-post802728.html