Building “smart communes”

Mường Đun is one of the most disadvantaged communes in Tủa Chùa district, where most of the population belongs to ethnic minority groups. Through a series of integrated solutions and suitable policies, the socio-economic situation of the commune has significantly improved over the years. The material and spiritual life of the people has been steadily uplifted, and political security and social order have been maintained.

Along with the improvement of living standards, the telecommunications infrastructure has been synchronously invested in, which has made it more common for both officials and the local population to access technology. Recognizing the importance of digital transformation in serving people and businesses, local authorities have implemented several measures to digitize operations at the grassroots level according to the “smart commune” model.

With support from all levels, Mường Đun has received comprehensive investments in telecommunications infrastructure, internal networks (LAN), and the establishment of a smart operating unit. Applications have been introduced to build a digital government, including document management systems, emails, public service portals, and e-signatures.

Lò Thị Phương, Vice Chairwoman of Mường Đun commune People’s Committee, said: “The commune has 20 officials. All officials and civil servants are trained to enhance their awareness of digital transformation. Currently, we strictly follow the electronic document reception and processing procedures, significantly reducing paper use, saving costs, and contributing to improving the commune’s digital government.” After digital transformation, 100% of incoming documents to the commune People’s Committee are processed properly through the document management system.

The commune government and local organizations have been proactive and innovative in implementing digital transformation. Specifically, the People’s Committee has established a digital transformation community team at the commune level, with members from the Party Committee, People’s Committee leadership, and representatives from local organizations. Notably, young people with technology expertise have been actively involved. During peak periods of digital transformation activities, this group almost “settles in” at the grassroots level, going door to door to promote and assist in the process.

Despite being a remote border commune, Phìn Hồ (Nậm Pồ district) has effectively applied information technology in its operations. In the first half of this year, Phìn Hồ was ranked excellent in providing administrative services to the public and businesses, particularly in processing fees and charges via the National Public Service Portal.

Hồ Chừ Dung, Secretary of Phìn Hồ commune’s Party Committee, said: “Currently, 100% of commune officials have been issued digital signatures for use in their work; 100% of outgoing and incoming documents are processed and circulated according to regulations, with no backlog of documents. At the one-stop-shop, 100% of citizens’ administrative procedures are received, stored, and resolved electronically through an integrated software system.”

Statistics show that in the first half of the year, Phìn Hồ received 108 administrative procedure files; 100% were resolved on time and online. The timely resolution of administrative procedures, integrated with the National Public Service Portal, reached 100%.

“To achieve these results, we proactively built and implemented the State Administration Reform Plan at the beginning of the year, focusing on effectively resolving administrative procedures on the public service portal,” added Dung.

Urgent requirements

Following the Resolution No.57-NQ/TW of the Politburo and Resolution No.03/NQ-CP of the Government on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the province has made considerable efforts to implement synchronized measures, aiming for a significant transformation, especially at the grassroots level. This foundation creates a solid base for the operation of local government systems under the new model.

The application of digital technology is not only being pushed at the commune level but has also become widespread among officials at the village level to improve administrative procedures and services, moving toward the construction of a digital society.

So far, 100% of leaders, civil servants, and officials at the commune level across the province handle work files in the online environment and use digital signatures for their tasks. Additionally, 100% of electronic documents are digitally signed; 100% of eligible online public services are provided; online meetings are held at the commune level; and reports are submitted electronically, with paperless meetings. Regarding the provision of online public services for citizens and businesses, the percentage of digitalized files and results for administrative procedures at the commune level has exceeded 80%. The percentage of online files is over 75% (according to data from the National Public Service Portal), and the percentage of administrative procedures with online payment transactions is 86.72%; online payment transactions for files stand at 55.13%.

In the context of the nationwide effort to organize and implement the two-level local government model (province and commune), the demand for digital transformation and technology adoption for officials at the commune level has grown even more. Therefore, not only the government agencies but each official must proactively learn and improve their competencies to meet the challenges ahead.