According to the province’s plan for reorganizing villages and residential groups and arranging, utilizing, and addressing policies for part-time personnel, Điện Biên currently has 4,239 part-time grassroots workers serving at village and residential-group levels. Following the restructuring, 2,486 individuals are expected to remain in their positions, while 1,753 others will no longer hold these roles and will receive benefits and policy support in accordance with regulations.

In Điện Biên Phủ ward, the reorganization of residential groups has been carried out on the basis of extensive public consultation.

Under the initial proposal, the entirety of Residential Group 5, Residential Group 6, and part of Residential Group 7 (formerly belonging to Thanh Bình ward) would be merged to form a new residential unit. The newly established residential group would comprise 412 households and 1,503 residents, fully meeting the population-scale criteria stipulated by regulations.

During the planning process, local authorities proposed naming the new residential group “Hạnh Phúc” (Happiness) to reflect aspirations for a united, civilized, safe, stable, and sustainably developed community. However, during public consultation meetings, most residents did not support the proposed name and instead recommended the name “Quyết Tiến” (Determined progress).

Phạm Thị Sợi, a resident of Residential Group 5, shared: “After consulting all residents, local and ward leaders respected the people’s opinions and agreed with the community’s preference. Once consensus was reached regarding the size and name of the new residential group, discussions continued on personnel arrangements in accordance with higher level directives while ensuring transparency, democracy, and objectivity. The selection of officials after the merger should be based on criteria such as credibility, capability, responsibility, and the ability to mobilize and unite the people.”

Mường Tùng commune currently has 53 part-time grassroots personnel, including 18 Party cell secretaries, 17 village heads, and 18 heads of Front Work Committees. Over the years, these personnel have played an essential role in implementing political tasks at the grassroots level.

According to Trần Mạnh Năm, Vice Chairman of the Mường Tùng commune People’s Committee: “Part-time personnel at the village level have made significant contributions to helping local authorities effectively carry out state management functions, promptly understand local conditions, convey the aspirations of residents to Party committees and authorities, and preserve ethnic cultural identities. One of the current challenges is retaining experienced and respected village heads after the merger process. Therefore, the commune has intensified communication and outreach efforts to encourage them to continue contributing to local development.”

In Na Sang commune, the restructuring process is also being implemented according to schedule with a strong emphasis on democracy and consensus. The commune currently has 117 part-time grassroots personnel. Following the restructuring, 72 individuals are expected to remain in service, while 45 others will be recommended for policy and benefit arrangements in accordance with regulations.

Trần Hồng Quân, Chairman of the Na Sang commune People’s Committee, explained that the process is guided by the principle of promoting the people’s right to participate in decision-making.

Previously, restructuring plans were mainly discussed with village officials. Today, the commune consults all residents regarding merger plans, names of new administrative units, and proposed personnel arrangements. Personnel selection must comply with established criteria and standards while ensuring an appropriate structure.

“When two villages are merged, geographical distances may still be considerable. Each area still needs responsible personnel to facilitate management and community outreach activities,” Quân noted.

According to the provincial plan, the reorganization of villages and residential groups, together with the streamlining of part-time personnel, will help reduce state budget expenditures while enhancing the effectiveness of leadership and administration at the local level.

However, successful implementation depends heavily on the support and consensus of both officials and residents.

Alongside reviewing and assessing personnel capacity, communes and wards are prioritizing communication, dialogue, and public engagement to clearly explain the objectives and significance of the restructuring process, thereby fostering unity in awareness and action.

At the same time, policy arrangements for individuals who will no longer hold positions must ensure that their legitimate rights and interests are protected.

Local authorities are expected to maintain a consistent approach based on transparency, legal compliance, and practical realities, preventing disputes and creating confidence among both grassroots officials and residents.

The reorganization of villages and residential groups, combined with the restructuring of part-time personnel, is widely regarded as a sound policy aligned with current efforts to modernize and streamline the political system.

Through democratic, objective, and people-centered implementation that balances the interests of all stakeholders, localities across Điện Biên province are steadily carrying out the process in accordance with regulations, laying the foundation for a more streamlined, effective, and efficient grassroots political system capable of meeting the demands of development in the new era.