(VOVworld) – High on the agenda of the 7th conference of the Vietnam Fatherland Front was to implement supervisory mechanisms and social criticism in the spirit of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The conference, which took place in Hanoi this week, considered these important tasks in 2014 and beyond.
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| The 7th conference of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (photo:mattran.org.vn) |
Social supervision and criticism are important tasks of the Vietnam Fatherland Front. These functions for the first time have been stipulated in the national Constitution. The Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels works closely with its socio-political organizations, including the Farmers’ Union, Women’s Union, the Vietnam War Veterans’ Association, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, and the Ho Chi Minh Youth Union to supervise the activities of government agencies from the central to the grassroots levels, party members, officials elected by the people, and state employees. They also collectively counter argue Party guidelines and state policies.
Improving human resources
Social supervision and criticism at the local level mainly involve people’s inspection and supervision of public investment. A majority of the Front’s local units have failed to carry out their tasks effectively due to limited budget and personnel. Nguyen Thanh Quang, former Chairman of Da Nang City’s Fatherland Front, says. "Personnel training and recruitment for the Front should be revised on par with social changes. We should have incentives to both lure intellectuals and to create appropriate policies for recruiting, training, and developing the Front’s staff to meet social demand."
Staying closer to the people
The law stipulates that supervision and criticism should not affect the operation of agencies, organizations, and individuals. Do Phuong, former General Director of the Vietnam News Agency and chairman of the Fatherland Front’s Advisory Council on Science and Education, said it’s necessary to identify a suitable subject for supervision and criticism. The Front’s units have to change their working method to be closer to the people. "We have to select issues for supervision and criticism in each period. For example, we have to identify issues in 2014. Then we choose deputies who have competence in those subjects. They should keep in touch with people to fulfill their tasks."
Lu Van Que, Chairman of the Fatherland Front’s Advisory Council on Nationalities, said the Front’s staff should understand the people’s wishes and resolve their problems thoroughly. The Front should listen to the people, inform the people, and take actions to obtain people’s trust. Mr. Que said: "It’s important to revise the Law on the Vietnam Fatherland Front and have regulations on supervision and criticism."
The Front will focus its supervision and criticism program this year on the implementation of policies for people who render services to the nation. The program will also target social insurance, and the use and management of agricultural materials and equipment.