However, uneven information technology infrastructure and varying educational levels among residents have posed significant challenges for communes in mountainous areas. Despite this, with the efforts of grassroots Party committees and local authorities, online public services have initially demonstrated effectiveness.

Established through the merger of Chiềng Sinh, Nà Sáy, Mường Thín, and Mường Khong communes (formerly of Tuần Giáo district), Chiềng Sinh commune officially began operating on July 1, 2025. Although the commune faced early difficulties in terms of organization, staffing, and infrastructure, under the leadership of its Party Committee and authorities, the commune’s Public Administrative Service Center quickly adapted to the new model, especially in the rollout of online public services.

Within the very first month, Chiềng Sinh rose to rank first among all communes and wards in the province in terms of the proportion of online applications received and processed. In August, it was ranked eighth, but by the end of September, the commune had surged back into the top group, ranking third. Overall, in the third quarter of 2025, Chiềng Sinh placed second among communes and wards, becoming one of the province’s bright spots in online public service delivery.

Mr. Đỗ Văn Sơn, Chairman of the Chiềng Sinh commune People’s Committee, shared: “As a newly established commune, everything was unfamiliar at first. But from the outset, we determined that administrative reform, especially the implementation of online public services, must be the top priority. Commune staff learned while working, sought support from the province to master the procedures, and patiently guided residents step by step in using these services. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but once people realized online procedures saved time and reduced travel, they supported and cooperated with the government.”

According to the Chairman, maintaining a high ranking among communes and wards was first and foremost thanks to the consensus of the entire political system. Commune officials were assigned to oversee specific fields, closely tracking each application; meanwhile, youth union members helped residents install and use online public service applications. As a result, the proportion of online applications increased steadily, and service quality improved significantly.

In contrast, conditions were even more difficult in Mường Lạn commune, where IT infrastructure remained incomplete, internet connectivity was unstable, and many villages were located far from the commune center. In response, commune authorities flexibly assigned officials to directly visit villages for awareness campaigns and guidance. Youth union members and office staff arranged time to travel to each village, helping residents create accounts, install applications, and practice basic operations. Thanks to this, Mường Lạn advanced from 24th place to 13th in September, and ranked 11th overall among communes and wards in the third quarter.

Đào Duy Thạch, Vice Chairman of the Mường Lạn commune People’s Committee and Director of the commune’s Public Administrative Service Center, affirmed: “If residents are to embrace online public services, officials must go first, go together, and accompany them so they build trust. Once they see the convenience, people will confidently use the services.”

In practice, the benefits of online public services are increasingly visible in daily life. Previously, people had to spend an entire day traveling to submit applications, wait in line, and make repeated trips. Now, procedures are simpler, faster, and more cost-effective, allowing residents to handle tasks proactively.

Mr. Lường Văn Thoan from Hua Ná village, Mường Lạn commune, expressed his satisfaction: “In the past, every administrative procedure required long waits and multiple trips. Now, with the two-tier local government model and direct guidance from commune officials, everything is more convenient, applications are processed quickly, and we feel very reassured.”

To ensure effective operation of the two-tier local government model and the efficiency of Public Administrative Service Centers, provincial leaders and relevant departments have frequently conducted field visits to monitor progress, address challenges in IT infrastructure, and improve the digital skills of officials.

Most recently, during an inspection of the new model’s implementation (since July 1) at Mường Ảng and Búng Lao communes, a delegation from the Department of Home Affairs led by Director Nguyễn Tiến Đạt highly commended the two mountainous communes for their efforts in adapting to the model. Despite ongoing difficulties in human resources, infrastructure, and policy mechanisms, both communes demonstrated initiative and determination, effectively operating their administrative apparatus while ensuring socio-economic development and public service delivery.

Based on feedback from the grassroots, such as policies for officials, shortages of specialized staff in healthcare, science-technology, and digital transformation, the establishment of specific associations, additional deputy positions in specialized agencies, suitable job placements, inter-commune staff transfers, and training for officials, Director Nguyễn Tiến Đạt confirmed that the department would advise the provincial People’s Committee on solutions and soon issue guidance to make the two-tier local government model increasingly effective.

The inspection delegation also urged communes to continue upholding responsibility, staying close to the grassroots, addressing people’s concerns promptly, and ensuring proper staffing with the right people in the right jobs. Maintaining political stability, public order, and citizens’ trust in the local government apparatus remain top priorities.