Improving cultural life at the grassroots level.

In October 2024, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 37 regulating the implementation of a cultured lifestyle in the province and Decision No. 38 regulating the framework of standards and procedures for awarding the titles of "Cultured Family," "Cultured Village/Neighborhood," and "Exemplary Commune/Ward/Township." Right from the initial implementation phase, these decisions quickly came into effect, supporting localities in their implementation and receiving the consensus of all segments of the population.

The criteria for awarding the titles of "Culturally Exemplary Family" and "Culturally Exemplary Village" were disseminated at the cultural center of Quynh Ngoc village, Quynh Hong commune (Quynh Phu district).

Contributing to building a better lifestyle.

After the decisions were issued, in addition to the implementation guidelines, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also organized a conference to disseminate the documents on building grassroots cultural life, with the participation of nearly 500 delegates from communes, wards, and towns in the province.

Ms. Phan Thi Ha, Head of the Department of Building a Cultural Lifestyle and Family, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, informed: Basically, the regulations on implementing a cultural lifestyle in the province, issued with Decision No. 37/2024/QD-UBND, are inherited from Decision No. 20/2019/QD-UBND. However, some contents have been amended, supplemented, and adjusted to suit new central government documents and local practical conditions. A new feature of the regulations on implementing a cultural lifestyle is that the regulations are presented concisely, clearly, easily understood, and easy to implement. In addition, some contents have been adjusted, such as those concerning funeral arrangements and burial; in Article 14 on organizing festivals, the regulations on displaying Party flags, national flags, religious flags, and festival flags have been clarified. The regulations on implementing a cultured lifestyle in the province, including the framework of standards and procedures for awarding titles, clearly and specifically address the responsibilities of each agency, unit, and locality in implementing the Provincial People's Committee's decision. This affirms that the implementation of a cultured lifestyle is not only the responsibility of the cultural sector but also requires the involvement of the entire political system from the provincial to the grassroots level, contributing to building a good lifestyle for the people of Thai Binh.

Transformation from the grassroots

As one of the localities that early focused on implementing decisions on promoting a cultured lifestyle in every village, in 2024, Quynh Phu district had 97.2% of families achieving the title of "Cultured Family". Cultural heritage values ​​are preserved and promoted, traditional customs are maintained, and outdated practices in weddings, engagements, funerals, etc., are gradually being eliminated.

In Quynh Hong commune, as in other localities in the province, the end of the year is usually a time with many weddings, engagement ceremonies, burials, and tomb constructions. Through the public address system, commune meetings, and village party branch meetings, the new points of the regulations on implementing a cultured lifestyle are widely disseminated. People proactively participate in all tasks, meeting the criteria that have been set.

Mr. Nguyen Do Tuan, a cultural and social affairs official in Quynh Hong commune, informed: "In implementing Decisions No. 37 and No. 38 of the Provincial People's Committee, we see many advantages because the evaluation criteria are very specific, especially in organizing weddings, funerals, and festivals, which gives us a basis to guide the people in implementing them."

Dong Tien commune has 7 festivals at 7 provincial-level historical sites and 1 festival at a national-level historical site, taking place at various times throughout the year, including the beginning of the new spring. To ensure that the festival activities preserve the beauty of traditional culture, the local authorities proactively implement new decisions and provide specific guidance to ensure that the ceremonial and festive activities comply with Decision No. 37, creating consensus among all segments of the population.

Mr. Vu Duc Yen, a cultural and social affairs official in Dong Tien commune, shared: "The advantage is that the people have understood the regulations of the Provincial People's Committee and the implementation guidelines of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism , so when implementing the organization of the festival, the people completely agreed, especially regarding the timing of the festival at provincial-level and national-level historical sites."

Following guidance from government agencies and relevant departments, the new regulations quickly came into effect.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Lap, a cultural and social affairs official of An Hiep commune (Quynh Phu district), said: Based on Decision No. 38 of the Provincial People's Committee, and according to the principles for awarding cultural titles, and excluding cases where the titles of "cultural family," "cultural village," or "exemplary commune" are not awarded, the People's Committee of An Hiep commune has approved a list of 8 out of 8 villages that meet the criteria and proposes awarding them the title of "cultural village." After reviewing the established standards, such as successfully fulfilling assigned socio-economic, national defense, security, and social order and safety tasks; stable and progressively developing economic life; healthy and rich cultural and spiritual life; a safe, friendly environment, and clean and beautiful landscape..., the commune meets the standards of an exemplary commune, creating motivation for local officials and people to continue striving in the following years.

In the initial stages of implementation, the regulations have contributed to the effective implementation of the "National Unity in Building a Culturally Rich Life" movement, while also demonstrating the determination of Party committees, governments, and functional agencies at all levels to improve the quality and effectiveness of grassroots cultural life, contributing to socio-economic development in each locality.

The establishment of grassroots cultural institutions is one of the criteria for awarding the title of exemplary commune, ward, or town.

Tu Anh

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/19/215620/nang-cao-doi-song-van-hoa-co-so