But these are real images. From wifi, books, newspapers, pens, medical equipment, cups of tea, cups of coffee, snacks... all are free. Hanoi is trying to completely change the image of administrative centers after implementing two-level government, eliminating the old concept of "administration - administration is the main thing".
People coming to public administrative agencies are often in a state of prolonged waiting, sometimes carrying a mentality of anxiety about the process and documents. A cup of refreshing water or a glass of free warm tea, placed right next to the reception area, not only helps relieve their thirst - but more importantly, is a silent greeting from the government.
For many years, administrative reform in Vietnam has often been mentioned in large phrases such as streamlining the payroll, digital transformation, one-stop-shop... But for the people, what they really care about is sometimes just: Do you have to wait a long time to get a paperwork job?, Is there anyone to guide?, Is it unnecessary to request a paperwork and simply: Will I be treated as a person worthy of respect?.
The service of drinking water, pens, clear forms... are concrete, tangible evidences, seeing a truly changing administration. And so, it is impossible to consider tea and water service at administrative centers as a "tiny matter" or a decorative detail of the movement.
What people expect when asked, is that the utilities today are not just " highlights", "color" in the early days of administrative reform communication but need to be taken into substance, wards and communes need to maintain this systematically, have people with specific responsibilities, have a process of checking, reminding, recording feedback and continuous improvement.
And above all, from the smile, free cups of coffee and candy today are just the beginning of greater changes such as simplifying administrative procedures, quickly and conveniently solving problems that people need in government, making people feel that they are the center of service and enjoyment.
And not only Hanoi, the changes have been and are being widely implemented nationwide, showing efficiency and high determination in administrative reform: An administration serving the people closely, close to the people and for the people.
