It is undeniable that associations have a certain role in promoting local cultural and social life.
In practice, organizations such as the Lawyers Association, the Oriental Medicine Association or the Learning Promotion Association... have contributed significantly to raising public awareness, supporting disadvantaged groups and developing cultural, medical and educational values.
However, not all associations operate effectively or bring value commensurate with the budget allocated. Some organizations exist only to "show up" to "fill the table", without making significant contributions to society.
In the context of local budgets needing to be optimized, it is completely reasonable to review and cut funding for associations that are not really necessary.
For example, Quang Binh has boldly decided to cut the budget "milk" of 20 associations, while retaining funding for important organizations such as the Lawyers Association, the Association for the Promotion of Education, and the Association of the Elderly.
This is not only a financial saving step, but also encourages associations to be autonomous and innovative to affirm their value in society.
The demand for autonomy does not mean elimination. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to screen and retain truly effective organizations and encourage them to seek new resources outside the state budget.
Associations need to re-evaluate their activities, avoid long-term dependence on subsidies and focus on bringing more practical benefits to the community.
Quang Binh’s decision is also a reminder that, in a modern administration, financial resources need to be used transparently and effectively. There should be no organization that exists only for form, without bringing practical value to the people.
This policy is part of the administrative reform, towards a more streamlined, transparent and substantive apparatus.
In fact, the situation of associations in Quang Binh is also the common situation of the whole country. Therefore, the practice of cutting off "milk" like in Quang Binh also needs to be replicated in many other localities.
Hopefully, from the pioneering steps in Quang Binh, we will soon have a truly effective association system, both reducing the budget burden and actively contributing to the cultural and social development of the locality and the whole country!
