Hanoi offers free wi-fi and stationery at public service offices
Personnel will be available to help seniors and disadvantaged groups complete administrative procedures online.
THE HANOI TIMES — Residents will be offered a variety of free items when accessing public administrative services at commune level.
According to a decision made by the municipal People's Committee on July 30, citizens will get free conveniences, including high-speed Wi-Fi, photocopying and printing services, file folders, paper clips, pens, pre-filled application forms and declarations (digital and paper versions), and more.
Staff will be available to assist the elderly and disadvantaged groups with online administrative procedures.
Moreover, public service offices will feature a digital library and offer free mobile device charging.
Civil servants at Branch No.4 of the Hanoi Public Administrative Services Center process applications from residents. Photo: Thuy Linh/The Hanoi Times
Basic medical equipment, such as blood pressure monitors and first aid kits, will be available for use at no cost, along with free drinking water.
Administrative branches will be equipped with reception robots to guide citizens through procedures, look up information, and direct them to the appropriate counters.
Starting August 1, the municipal government has requested that all departments and units provide complimentary services.
Hanoi is the first locality nationwide to set up a centralized Public Administration Service Center , as directed by the prime minister, and put it into operation in October 2024. By consolidating several services into one location, the center has addressed the shortcomings of the one-stop-shop approach and streamlined the administrative process.
The center provides all administrative services in one place, saving citizens and businesses time and money while simplifying procedures and increasing transparency.
According to the Hanoi People's Committee Office, opening this facility saved VND160 billion (US$6.4 million) per year by cutting the staff from over 2,700 to 184. The saved money will be reinvested in automation and technology to improve service efficiency.
The center accepts administrative applications from anywhere in Hanoi, reducing the number of single-window service locations and innovating the submission process.
It ensures citizens can access public services within a 30-minute travel radius or 5 kilometers, with services available 24/7.
