Part-time officials at the commune level serve as a reserve force and a key human resource for complementing and enhancing the team of civil servants at the grassroots. Being deeply rooted in the community, they act as a bridge between the Party, the State, and the people, participating directly in local political activities. Their contributions are significant, functioning as an extension of local Party committees and governments to bring the Party’s policies and the State’s laws to the people. They actively engage in local socio-economic development, community cultural life, and the safeguarding of national defense and public security.

In the border commune of Nà Hỳ, there are currently 47 part-time commune-level officials, of whom 24 wish to continue working and 23 wish to retire and receive State benefits. Additionally, 86 part-time officials are working at the village level, including village Party cell secretaries, heads of villages, and heads of the local Fatherland Front committees.

According to Chu Văn Sử, Chairman of the Nà Hỳ commune People’s Committee, these part-time officials have demonstrated competence, dedication, and responsibility, becoming an important support arm that ensures smooth local governance. Most are young, under 30 years old, and have been formally trained, meeting the basic requirements of their positions. For those wishing to continue their service, the commune has assigned them support roles within local Party agencies, the Fatherland Front, the People’s Committee, and the local militia. Those requesting to retire are being assisted by professional departments in completing the necessary procedures to receive benefits according to State policy.

Inspired by President Hồ Chí Minh’s teaching, “Wherever youth is needed, youth will be there; wherever difficulties arise, youth will be present,” Thùng Văn Quý, Deputy Secretary of the Chà Tở commune’s Youth Union, remains dynamic and creative in organizing youth activities. With more than 13 years dedicated to the Youth Union, he and the Executive Committee have reformed content and methods of operation, mobilizing young people to join volunteer campaigns such as environmental protection, climate change response, and contributing to new rural development.

Thùng Văn Quý shared: “My time in the Youth Union has been the most meaningful period of my youth, offering me the opportunity to grow and serve the community. I hope that under the two-tier local government system, I will be given a formal position as a commune-level civil servant.”

Recently, when learning that part-time commune officials would be allowed to continue working until May 31, 2026, Lò Thị Nhung, Vice President of the Women’s Union of Si Pa Phìn commune, was deeply moved. In addition to the extension, the Government has issued Decree No.170/2025/NĐ-CP, which opens up opportunities for many groups, including part-time commune officials, to be recruited as civil servants. This policy has rekindled hope for individuals like Nhung to gain long-term positions within the State administrative system.

Nhung stated: “Having served in the Women’s Union for over two years and being a Party member, I am eager to continue contributing my youthful energy to the community.”

The Government’s Steering Committee on the Reorganization of Administrative Units and Implementation of the Two-Tier Local Government Model has issued Official Dispatch No.12/CV-BCĐ, providing guidance to provincial and municipal Party Committees and People’s Committees. The document allows localities, based on practical needs and the requirements of the new political system at the grassroots, to temporarily extend the service of part-time commune officials until May 31, 2026. If necessary, communes may assign these individuals to positions at the village or residential group level.

In cases where the new commune-level Party and government bodies no longer require the services of former part-time officials, they must resolve their benefits and entitlements under Decree No.154/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 15, 2025, on downsizing the civil service. Those who wish to voluntarily resign immediately upon the new model’s implementation are also entitled to the benefits outlined in this decree.

If local Party and government bodies wish to retain these officials, and the individuals are willing to continue, they may be temporarily assigned to support positions within the new commune’s political system, including Party agencies, the Fatherland Front, mass organizations, or the local government, or to village-level part-time roles. They will continue to receive allowances and other benefits as stipulated by the provincial People’s Council. Should they choose to resign during this period, their entitlements will be processed in accordance with Decree No.154/2025/NĐ-CP.

It is hoped that the Party and State’s policies, together with the efforts of local authorities, will provide motivation and new opportunities for part-time officials to continue contributing to the State administrative system. Their service will be vital to the development of Điện Biên Province and its communes toward a path of sustainable growth.