The story of some households in Binh Dinh ward, Gia Lai province receiving support for crop damage after natural disasters of only... 2,000 VND, causing strong reactions in public opinion, has ended after the timely rectification direction of the Provincial People's Committee. However, the event opened up a big lesson about civil service behavior.
The post-disaster support of a few thousand VND, if considered on paper, may be "for the right people, according to regulations". But in life, it is a mechanical way of doing things, far from reality and very offensive. The support money is too little compared to the labor and costs of people when receiving it. Such a decision is not only meaningless in terms of material value but also creates psychological harm.
No one denies that grassroots officials follow the correct procedures. But the problem lies in the implementation mindset. Damage caused by natural disasters is not a mechanical addition and subtraction problem. It is impossible to divide each pot of plants, each broken glass panel and then convert them into a few thousand VND to "meet procedures".
It should be remembered that after storm No. 13, Gia Lai and the Central region have done very great things. The province has mobilized many resources to implement 16 urgent projects to stabilize population in disaster-stricken areas for more than 1,800 households. Tens of thousands of houses were repaired and rebuilt rapidly before Tet. Thousands of billions of VND were mobilized to save people and restore production. That is a very commendable effort.
Therefore, it is even more unacceptable to let the support of a few thousand VND affect the image of a large social security program.
This story is not just a separate lesson for Binh Dinh or Gia Lai wards. It is a common lesson on how to implement policies. Because disaster relief must prioritize the goal of helping people stabilize their lives first. Priority must be given to major damages, urgent needs, and practically meaningful supports. Damage is too small, it is not necessary to provide support. It is impossible to turn humane policies into heartbreaking stories. People need not a few thousand dong but reason.
There are things that are in accordance with regulations but are not necessarily in line with the people's wishes. Officials not only do the right procedures but also must know how to behave responsibly with reality. Otherwise, policies are very likely to fall into a formalistic situation.
Another issue that also needs to be viewed directly is the "fear of mistakes" mindset. Many places today work in a way that the smaller the division, the safer the responsibility. Just declare everything, spend everything, and finalize enough dossiers to be assured. But public administration cannot just stop at having enough papers.
The ultimate effect must be that people are truly supported. Being empowered to recover from natural disasters. Not holding a few thousand dong and then feeling sad. A meaningless amount of support can turn the joy of relief into a tragicomic story. And sometimes, what people remember is not the large or small amount of money. But the way the government treats them after hardship.
Because in natural disasters, kindness and responsibility are also a very important form of relief.
