The index comprises five components: transparency and disclosure; processing timelines; online public services; satisfaction; and dossier digitisation.

According to data from the National Public Service Portal, Son La province ranked 29th out of the 34 provinces and cities, scoring 86.94 out of 100. The breakdown shows transparency and disclosure at 15.3 out of 18 points; processing timelines at 16.39 out of 20; online services at 14.31 out of 22; satisfaction at 17.88 out of 18; and dossier digitisation at 19.75 out of 22.

The review found that several components remain weak, particularly scores for transparency and disclosure, the uptake of online public services and cashless payments, as well as shortcomings in the way data is entered for reporting. In addition, overdue files persist in the handling of administrative procedures at some departments and commune-level People’s Committees.

Speaking at the meeting, Hau asked departments and local authorities to continue accessing the National Public Service Portal to review decisions issued by ministries and ministerial-level agencies on the publication of administrative procedures, and to promptly advise the provincial People’s Committee Chairperson on releasing the province’s administrative procedure list in line with statutory timelines.

He also urged stronger guidance for organisations and citizens on submitting and receiving applications online, making cashless payments and obtaining electronic results, as well as digitising input dossiers and outcomes for storage and reuse. Authorities were told to swiftly publicise newly arising procedures and step up regular checks to ensure administrative cases are handled on time or ahead of deadlines.

The provincial Public Administration Service Centre was tasked with guiding departments and commune-level authorities to standardise implementation, with the aim of lifting the Citizen and Business Service Index.