Vinh Thanh commune (Phu Tho Province): Efforts to transform in order to adapt to the new operational model

Boldly creating breakthrough in public governance

When implementing the new governmental model, Vinh Thanh Commune identified administrative reform and digital transformation as two parallel pillars, serving as the driving forces to improve governance quality and the efficiency of public service delivery. Therefore, the commune prioritized allocating resources and investing in facilities and equipment to establish and operate the Public Administrative Service Center. It upgraded information technology infrastructure, utilizing interconnected systems to process data, ensuring transparency, timeliness, and accuracy in the receipt, settlement, and return of results. The commune proactively developed plans, reviewed the entire administrative procedure (AP) handling process, and assigned clear responsibilities to each unit and officer. At the same time, attention was given to arranging a team of officials with solid expertise, good communication skills, a professional working style, proficiency in information technology, and a dedicated attitude in guiding and clearly explaining procedures and documentation to citizens.

According to statistics from the Vinh Thanh Commune Public Administrative Service Center, from July 1 to September 12, 2025, the Center received a total of 1,557 applications, of which: Online submissions: 1,557 applications, reaching 100%; Processed applications: 1,533 applications, accounting for 98.5% (including 1,519 applications processed ahead of schedule or on time, accounting for 99.1%; 14 applications processed late, accounting for 0.9%—all related to land affairs, delayed at the stage of the Land Registration Office and the Tax Office); Applications currently being processed: 24 applications, accounting for 1.5% (including 22 still within the deadline and 2 overdue applications related to land affairs, delayed at the stage of the Land Registration Office and the Tax Office).

In addition, Vinh Thanh Commune has also boldly created a breakthrough in public governance by applying technological solutions to shorten the distance between the government and the people. Alongside strictly adhering to the periodic citizen reception schedule, the commune established an online dialogue channel through digital platforms (via telephone and social networks). The creation of the official Fanpage and Zalo account of the local government not only provides timely, public, and transparent information but also establishes a flexible mechanism that enables citizens to search for information, send feedback interactively, break down traditional barriers, and enhance transparency and credibility of the grassroots government.

The challenge of human resources

Alongside the advantages, during the operation of the two-tier government system, Vinh Thanh Commune has also faced certain difficulties and shortcomings.

"The greatest challenge lies in the workload exceeding the number of available officials. After the merger, the workload at the grassroots level increased sharply, while human resources remain insufficient and limited. Vinh Thanh Commune currently has more than 40 civil servants, still lacking over 20. The insufficient number of civil servants, coupled with the need to regularly handle a large volume of applications, has created considerable pressure on the existing staff. In addition, staff transfers and reassignments have required some officials and civil servants to familiarize themselves from the beginning with new localities and tasks, posing certain challenges in the performance of their duties". Mr. Dang Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Vinh Thanh Commune, shared.

In practice, under the current regulations on the functions and duties of commune-level specialized offices, the workload has been increasing in both breadth and depth, covering multiple areas such as economy, culture, society, urban management, natural resources and environment, social security, and administrative procedure (AP) resolution. Each civil servant must take on multiple responsibilities, including highly detailed tasks with heavy workloads, leading to difficulties in ensuring both quality and progress. Job requirements also demand that the cadre of civil servants possess extensive professional knowledge, comprehensive skills, and the ability to handle situations flexibly.

“Another challenge that Vinh Thanh is facing is the limited technological access of residents in this agricultural commune. Since the majority of people are not proficient in technology, officials frequently have to assist in entering and submitting applications, and in some cases, carry out the entire online application process. The pressure is high, while the AP processing system occasionally freezes, causing work disruptions” said Mr. Dang Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the Vinh Thanh Commune People’s Committee.

This reality has created a dual challenge: on the one hand, digital transformation must be advanced to achieve modernization; on the other hand, considerable time and resources must still be devoted to assisting citizens in carrying out the “digitization” process.

To address part of the human resources challenge, Vinh Thanh Commune has focused on sending officials and civil servants to training and refresher courses organized by the province; arranging civil servants appropriately according to their job positions; and ensuring that the Commune Party Committee and People’s Committee strengthen their grasp of officials’ and civil servants’ concerns, promptly providing encouragement and stabilizing morale so they can remain committed to their work. The commune has also studied special mechanisms and policies to attract and retain talented individuals for the grassroots apparatus. Strengthening trust and building consensus in both awareness and action among the staff have made an important contribution to maintaining political stability and ensuring effective implementation of local socio-economic development tasks.

Local Recommendations

From the practical process of implementation, evaluation, and lessons learned after three months of operation, Vinh Thanh Commune has made specific proposals and recommendations to ensure more effective functioning of the two-tier government model in the locality.

First, improve the institutional framework, strengthen decentralization and delegation of powers, and grant autonomy and proactivity to grassroots governments within the scope of their functions and duties. This would enable commune-level authorities to be more flexible and dynamic in addressing arising issues, while reducing dependence on and delays caused by upper-level procedures.

Second, place greater emphasis on policies for remuneration, recruitment, and training of commune-level officials. There needs to be a salary, bonus, and allowance mechanism that is sufficiently attractive and commensurate with work pressure—particularly work related to digital transformation—in order to attract talented individuals to work at the grassroots level and ensure their long-term commitment.

Third, strengthen investment in digital infrastructure and digital transformation at the commune level. This should be considered the foundation for improving governance capacity and effectiveness, bringing government closer to the people and ensuring close companionship with citizens.

With its efforts to adapt to the new operational model, Vinh Thanh Commune is demonstrating its determination to build an efficient, streamlined, transparent, and modern service-oriented government. However, to overcome the existing “barriers,” breakthroughs in the institutional framework are needed, particularly regarding decentralization, delegation of powers, and policies to reward and retain talent at the grassroots level. Only by resolving these bottlenecks can Vinh Thanh in particular, and grassroots local governments in general, establish a unified and smooth administrative apparatus that generates important momentum for sustainable development in the coming period.