Defined as a central, crosscutting and consistent task, the administrative reform of Dak Nong in recent years has produced positive outcomes thanks to the strong participation of the whole political system.
Dak Nong province pays attention to building and forming a system of administrative documents from the province to the grassroots. In addition, steering committees in charge of public administration reform and digital transformation have been consolidated and established in a timely manner to provide a legal corridor and assigned to direct, deploy, inspect and urge effective implementation of public administration reform.
Dak Nong is one of the provinces that established the Provincial Public Administration Service Center early, enabling all administrative procedures of the Provincial People’s Committee to be received, settled and have results delivered at the center. Single-window divisions at all levels have also been completed in a timely manner to support people and businesses. Many business-related administrative procedures are simplified to reduce the settlement time by 20-50%. As a result, over 95% of administrative procedures at all three levels are settled in time or ahead of time.
The administrative apparatus from the province to the grassroots as well as public non-business units are adopting a lean approach to basically limit overlapped and replicated functions and tasks.
The province also imposes stricter financial and budgetary management; monitors internal spending to enhance public spending efficiency, and limit corruption and waste. The disbursement of public investment capital is strongly directed by the Provincial People's Committee every week. Hence, the disbursement rate in 2021 was as high as over 90%.
Applying information technology and digital transformation together with administrative reform has been intensified. This has helped form an online public service system that is integrated with the electronic single-window system, the document management and administration system integrated with digital signatures and digital certificates from the province to the commune level. This has facilitated the leadership and direction of authorities at all levels. Dak Nong Province already launched the Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) and adopted digital transformation at all levels, sectors and localities.
The inspection and examination of public administration reform is carried out regularly by the province, with administrative violations handled resolutely, strictly and promptly to enhance the satisfaction and confidence of people and enterprises. In 2023, the province piloted administrative procedure reform initiatives like “Days without writing” and “Days without an appointment” at single-window divisions in four districts. These initiatives are well received and responded to by people.
The broad involvement of the political system, especially the leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and the executive direction of the Provincial People's Committee, helped Dak Nong raise its public administration reform rankings. Accordingly, its Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index) climbed in standing for three consecutive years. In particular, in 2021, it advanced 10 places (from the 51st position in 2020 to the 41st position out of 63 provinces and cities). The Satisfaction Index of Public Administrative Services (SIPAS) reached 85.66% in 2021 as targeted in the government-backed General PAR Program in 2021 - 2030. Its Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) in 2021 also moved up eight places over 2020 (to the 52nd position from the 60th position) and climbed 14 places to No. 38 in 2022.
Dak Nong province has already set new targets: By 2025, its PAR Index will stand among the first 40 localities; the SIPAS Index will climb to 90% or more; the PCI Index will enter the middle group; and the Vietnam Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) will be among medium or top performers. By 2030, the PAR Index will be among Top 37; the SIPAS Index will be 95% or higher; the PCI Index will jump to the good-performing group; and the PAPI Index will be still among medium and top performers.
To achieve that goal, the Dak Nong Department of Home Affairs has actively worked with relevant bodies to advise the provincial government to analyze and evaluate shortcomings, limitations and causes; consulted it to launch action plans for improvement in each field, and assign responsibility and accountability of implementation to each branch and each locality. At the same time, it will continue to advise on the effective implementation of PAR resolutions and work plans, digital transformation plans, and annual and periodical plans to improve the business investment environment. The department will enhance the responsibility, attitude, conduct and service of public employees to people and businesses. It will tighten administrative discipline, take PAR efficiency and satisfaction of organizations and individuals as a goal to be achieved, create a favorable business investment environment for enterprises, and help boost socioeconomic development.
By Duy Hanh, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
October 2024
Hanoi