The story is that an 80-year-old woman in Phu Ly ward, Ninh Binh was not awarded a Certificate of Longevity at the early spring ceremony. At first glance, it is just a "shortcoming". But behind that certificate is a bigger problem: The responsibility of local authorities in ensuring the rights of citizens, especially vulnerable people.
During the longevity celebration, her name was still pronounced. She still stepped up to receive 500,000 VND according to regulations for people who turn 80. There was only one thing missing: the longevity certificate. A piece of paper, but it is the official recognition of the community and government for an eight-decade journey of life.
She was mentally prepared. Her children and grandchildren were excited. She hoped to have a piece of paper to keep as a souvenir, to show her children and grandchildren later. And then she stood waiting. Waiting until everyone left, she understood that "I don't have it".
A feeling of self-pity and loneliness in the community they live in. No one wants that to happen to an elderly person. Here, the issue is no longer a missing printed paper. But the question: Where is the process? Who is responsible? Is there a review and comparison mechanism?
Grassroots governments cannot operate by emotion or personal "flexibility". All regimes and policies must be implemented on a transparent basis, with clear criteria and cross-checks.
If people's rights only depend on "being on the list or not", without an independent inspection mechanism, then the risk of errors, even subjectivity, becomes unavoidable.
No matter how right a policy is, if the implementation stage is not tight, it can still hurt people.
The story seems simple, very easy to encounter, but it touches on a major issue of the country: The goal of "leaving no one behind". That slogan must start from very small things at the grassroots level.
The elderly are the weaker group. They rarely react harshly, and even less often complain fiercely. Many people choose to remain silent, accept, or only share sadness within the family.
Therefore, the responsibility of the government must be even higher to ensure that rights are implemented correctly, fully, and fairly.
After Lao Dong Newspaper spoke out, the leaders of Phu Ly ward corrected the mistake: In the afternoon of February 23, they went to the old woman's house to present her longevity certificate. Although late, it showed a big lesson from the grassroots level: Mass mobilization work is a common matter, not a "private matter" of anyone. The person assigned to implement the policy must put the common interest above personal emotions. It is necessary to publicize the inspection results, clarify the process of making a list, and determine specific responsibilities if there are errors. More importantly, there must be corrective measures to avoid repeating similar cases.
A small event, if not frankly recognized, may be a manifestation of a larger management loophole. If not promptly overcome, such "shortcomings" may recur and each time they recur is a time of damaged trust.
People's trust is maintained with just one very small thing: Giving just one piece of paper, to just one person, at the right time. That is the expression of the spirit of "leaving no one behind".
