From “management” to “service”

After one month of operating the two-tier local government model, most communes and wards in Thai Nguyen have made significant progress in organizational structure, service methods and sense of responsibility of staff. These positive signals show a change in state governance thinking, shifting from administrative management to service, from “directing and operating” to “accompanying and supporting”.

People do administrative procedures at Phu Luong Commune Public Administration Service Center. Photo: Document

Implementing the two-level local government model is a strategic step in the national administrative reform process, in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW of the Central Committee on streamlining the apparatus and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. In Thai Nguyen , the reorganization of the apparatus does not stop at restructuring, but aims to build a service-oriented administration, starting from the commune and ward levels - places directly related to people's lives.

Previously, commune-level authorities were often constrained in their role of enforcing administrative orders, with limited authority, cumbersome apparatuses and multi-layered processes.

To resolve an administrative procedure, it may require many steps, reducing efficiency and causing inconvenience to the people. Reorganizing according to the two-level model helps to cut out unnecessary intermediaries, creating conditions for the commune level to promote initiative, enhance responsibility, and at the same time be closer to and understand the people better.

In Van Xuan ward (a new administrative unit with a large area and population, established on the basis of merging four wards: Nam Tien, Dong Tien, Tan Huong and Tien Phong), the initial effectiveness of the two-level local government model is clearly demonstrated.

After one month of operation, the ward has received 1,265 administrative records, of which 889 were processed ahead of schedule, 375 are being processed and there are no overdue records. Key staff are regularly on duty at the Public Administration Service Center to monitor the situation, direct work handling, and promptly support people.

Mr. Tran Xuan Truong, Party Secretary, Chairman of the People's Council of Van Xuan Ward, assessed: Although the implementation time is not long, the model initially shows clear effectiveness, with a streamlined apparatus, smooth operation, close to the people.

Shifting from a “management” mindset to a “service” mindset is not a slogan. It requires a real change in working methods, work style, and behavior towards people.

In Phu Luong commune, although the initial reorganization of the apparatus encountered many difficulties in terms of human resources and physical facilities, improvements in the administrative procedure settlement process were recognized by the people.

Ms. Lam Thi Huong, in Doc Mau residential group, Phu Luong commune, shared: Before, to do the procedures, you had to go to the district or through many departments, now you just need to go to the commune, there are officers to guide you, and the results are returned on time. I find the procedures simpler, easier to understand, and much more convenient.

One of the core contents of the two-tier local government model is strong decentralization to the grassroots. When the right authority is delegated, along with a reasonable inspection and supervision mechanism, the commune-level government can handle work more quickly, effectively and flexibly. This contributes to improving operational efficiency and transparency, the core elements of modern administration.

However, for the grassroots government to truly play its role in service, it is necessary to continue to invest synchronously in both human resources and infrastructure. The team of communal-level cadres must be streamlined in organization, while meeting the requirements of expertise, sense of responsibility and ability to adapt to innovation.

Along with that is the requirement to perfect institutions, promote digital transformation, connect data and simplify procedures, in order to create conditions for grassroots authorities to reach people faster and more effectively.

When people see the convenience in every administrative transaction, when officials play the role of companions instead of imposing, the image of the government will become closer and more trustworthy.

The administrative model aims at that, operating on the basis of clear processes, applying modern technology along with a positive attitude and sense of responsibility of the public service team. Changing the model is a necessary condition for reform, but changing the mindset is the key factor for the government to truly be of the people, by the people and for the people.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/chinh-tri/202508/tu-quan-ly-sang-phuc-vu-5087327/