Newly Structured Inspectorate: Partnering for Effective Governance and Service

Dien Bien Province's Inspectorate has officially entered a new phase of operation under a reorganized administrative model. The merger of all inspection units previously managed by district-level offices, provincial departments, and local authorities into the Provincial Inspectorate has streamlined the structure, improved the efficiency of state management, and reaffirmed the sector’s new direction of “building, serving, and accompanying enterprises.”

The Dien Bien Provincial Inspectorate has introduced significant innovations in organizational structure, operational methods, and management mindset

Streamlined structure for greater efficiency

Previously, the province’s inspection system had 27 units. Under the new structure, it has been consolidated into a single entity, the Provincial Inspectorate, which now includes seven specialized divisions and one office. This reorganization ensures unified direction and management, reduces intermediate administrative levels, and strengthens the overall effectiveness of inspection activities across the province.

Despite significant changes in structure, personnel, and operating methods, the Provincial Inspectorate of Dien Bien has maintained stable operations without interrupting its professional duties. A total of 60 civil servants transferred from departments and local authorities have been reassigned according to a new job-position framework that matches their expertise and strengths.

To meet new operational demands, the Provincial Inspectorate has organized many professional training courses, thematic workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to help its staff quickly adapt to the new model.

The structural reform not only streamlines the organization but also creates opportunities for innovation in operational methods. Since the model’s implementation, the Provincial Inspectorate has effectively utilized its resources to conduct focused and targeted inspections while minimizing overlaps with other oversight agencies such as the State Audit, Party Inspection Commissions, and the People’s Council.

In 2024, the entire inspection system carried out more than 610 administrative and sectoral inspections, concentrating on high-risk areas such as finance, budget management, construction investment, land, natural resources, minerals, and site clearance. These inspections not only uncovered and proposed the recovery of financial irregularities worth billions of VND but, more importantly, improved governance efficiency and transparency within public agencies and organizations.

At the same time, citizen reception and complaint resolution work have been strengthened. Many cases were resolved promptly at the grassroots level through dialogue and mediation, reducing the number of prolonged and escalated complaints and reinforcing public trust.

Innovating toward partnership and service

A key highlight in the Provincial Inspectorate’s new approach is the shift from the traditional mindset of “inspection for detection and punishment” to “inspection for prevention and development partnership.”

Inspection activities are no longer intended to create difficulties but to support development, provide early risk warnings, prevent violations before they arise, promote good practices, and ensure strict oversight of potential misconduct. Each inspection is now thoroughly surveyed, planned, and coordinated with relevant units to avoid overlap, especially in the business sector.

Organizations already scheduled for review by the State Audit, the Government Inspectorate, or agencies such as the Tax Department or the Social Security Office are cross-checked to ensure coordinated and non-overlapping inspections. This demonstrates the spirit of administrative reform, maintaining effective oversight while avoiding unnecessary burdens on enterprises.

To further professionalize operations, the Inspectorate is actively applying digital technology in management, supervision, and inspection processes. Integrated software systems for document management, case tracking, and complaint resolution are being implemented to enhance transparency and control.

Inter-agency coordination has also been prioritized. The Provincial Inspectorate frequently collaborates with departments, mass organizations, and local authorities to strengthen citizen engagement, complaint handling, and the fulfillment of political and administrative duties across the province.

By Thanh Thanh, Vietnam Business Forum