Public consensus shown via the PAPI

In the recent announcement by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam regarding the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) for 2024, Binh Duong attained a total score of 45.39, securing the 9th position nationally. Notably, the public expressed commendation and positive sentiments towards the component indicators of e-governance, transparency and accountability, public service delivery, management of administrative procedures, and grassroots participation. 

Individuals engage and concur

Recently, the Fatherland Front at all levels has actively collaborated with the government and affiliated organizations to effectively execute the Ordinance on Democracy in Communes, Wards, and Towns, particularly in terms of openness, transparency, and soliciting public input on policies and initiatives for local socio-economic development.

This content is crucial for the Fatherland Front at all levels to further reinforce its role in social oversight, effectively understanding the legitimate thoughts and aspirations of the populace to communicate and recommend to authorities at all levels, thereby enhancing the interaction between the government and the citizens. Simultaneously, it aims to promote and encourage public participation in the implementation of the Party's guidelines and policies, as well as the State's policies and laws.

The published results indicate that in 2024, the province has undertaken numerous outreach activities to enhance public awareness, understanding, and engagement in the implementation of local policies and guidelines. Significant resources have been allocated to the grassroots health system, thereby improving the Content Index related to "public service provision." Firm directives regarding the reform of administrative procedures have yielded tangible outcomes.

The rate of individuals utilizing the National Online Public Service Portal to acquire information about administrative procedures is the highest in the nation. Citizens' sentiments and suggestions for provincial and municipal authorities, including Binh Duong, indicate a need for greater emphasis on the promotion and dissemination of laws, policies, and administrative procedures. This would enable the public to access more information, particularly in guiding individuals on the use of online public services.

Mrs. Phan Ngoc Nu, a resident of Dieu Hoa hamlet in Bach Dang commune, Tan Uyen city, stated: "Local residents are informed about the policies of the Party and State, particularly regarding digital transformation and the digitization of records, enabling everyone to complete administrative procedures from home." Mr. Nguyen Huy Phong, who lives near Di An 2 market in Di An ward, Di An city, remarked: “Recently, individuals have received support and guidance in installing VNelD, registering for free digital signatures, and utilizing convenient online payment applications on smartphones. These innovations have allowed us to reduce costs and save travel time while conducting sales and managing basic administrative tasks on our phones, such as registering business households and accommodations. We value the effective initiatives at the grassroots level, especially the ward officials who have engaged with various groups and traditional markets to promote cashless payments, implement AI in daily life, enhance risk prevention, and ensure network information security for the community.” The involvement and consensus of individuals at the grassroots level within the political system are crucial. When the populace is in agreement, success is attainable.

The findings of the PAPI indicate that local authorities have effectively managed feedback promptly upon receiving notifications from the public. Notably, the PAPI acknowledges the significant efforts of the provincial government in consistently promoting its strengths over the years, particularly in areas related to e-governance (4.06 points), publicity and transparency (5.88 points), public service provision (7.76 points), and public administrative procedures (7.40 points).

Towards the populace 

The primary objective of the PAPI is to evaluate the efficacy of provincial governance and public administration in meeting the needs of the populace. The PAPI report further indicates that provincial and municipal authorities must prioritize the implementation of the new Law on Access to Information, particularly regarding access to land information. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing the quality of the Community Investment Monitoring Board and effectively gathering public opinions on new construction projects or the renovation of public works.

Binh Duong has demonstrated commendable progress in this area recently. The province has also achieved success in combating corruption within the public sector, effectively guiding and overseeing the implementation of the PAPI, particularly concerning corruption control and the transparency of policies to the populace.

Since that time, individuals have become increasingly attentive, engaged, and involved in the execution of local policies and guidelines, with numerous resources directed towards the healthcare and primary education sectors. With a commitment to fostering positive and effective changes in the transparency and disclosure of information, thereby addressing the public's "right to know" regarding policies that directly impact their lives and livelihoods, authorities at all levels have diversified the methods of information disclosure in the following areas: access to information; transparency regarding the list of impoverished households; disclosure of land use plans and local land price lists, among others.

Localities within the province have held numerous meetings with residents to address and resolve various pressing issues promptly, thereby bolstering public trust and confidence in the mechanisms for receiving feedback, recommendations, complaints, and denunciations from authorities at all levels.

 Reported by Ho Van - Khac Tuan - Translated by Vi Bao