"Settling down" for ethnic minority communities

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - With preferential interest rates and long loan terms, for over three years, the housing support loan program under Government Decree No. 28/2022/ND-CP (Decree 28) on preferential credit policies implementing the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas has been gradually realizing the dream of "settling down" for thousands of households in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in the province.

The Thanh Hoa branch of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (NHCSXH) disburses policy credit funds to poor households.

It is known that the Housing Support Loan Program under Decree 28 is part of the preferential credit policy implementing the National Target Program for socio -economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. It allows poor ethnic minority households to borrow capital to build new houses, repair existing ones, or cover the cost of purchasing land, with a maximum loan amount of 40 million VND, an interest rate of 3% per year, and a term of 15 years. The program has opened up opportunities for ethnic minorities to "settle down," as many old, dilapidated houses are gradually being replaced with spacious, sturdy homes, improving the lives of many households.

Every year during the rainy season, the family of Mr. Luong Van Long, a Thai ethnic minority from Quan Son commune, lives in constant fear of having to evacuate their entire family to a safe place because their makeshift thatched house could collapse at any moment during heavy rain and strong winds. As a poor household, the dream of a sturdy house was beyond their means. In 2023, after receiving guidance and information on procedures from officials of the Social Policy Bank branch in Quan Son, his family was able to borrow 40 million VND from the housing support loan program under Decree 28. Therefore, faced with the urgent need for housing, he boldly borrowed more money from relatives, along with the money earned from selling bamboo and rattan, to build a new, sturdy and spacious house. After nearly two years of having a house, he feels more secure and actively works to develop his economy and achieve a more prosperous life.

Ms. Ha Thi Nhuan from Chieng Khat village, Dong Luong commune, said: “When the Social Policy Bank supported me with a loan of 50 million VND at a preferential interest rate for 15 years, I was very happy. My old, dilapidated house has been renovated to be more spacious and sturdy. Especially, the fact that I don't have to repay the principal for the first 5 years has given me the opportunity to accumulate capital to develop my livelihood. I will actively increase production, work as a hired laborer to earn extra income for my children's education and to repay the bank loan.”

Mr. Tran Van Hoang, Director of the Lang Chanh branch of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies, said: “The housing support loan program under Decree 28 is a major policy with practical significance, demonstrating the deep concern of the Party, the State, and local Party committees and authorities for ethnic minorities facing housing difficulties. This is a driving force to help people “settle down and prosper” so they can focus on labor and production, gradually reducing poverty. After Decree 28 was issued, our unit advised localities to review and compile a list of eligible borrowers. After securing the funds, we allocated them to communes to provide timely, effective, and targeted support.”

In implementing Decree 28, since 2022, the Thanh Hoa branch of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) has coordinated with the Provincial Ethnic Affairs Committee (now the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions) to organize a conference on coordinated implementation; discussing the review and compilation of a list of beneficiaries and determining the capital needs for this program. Simultaneously, it has issued a directive to its subordinate units to coordinate with relevant agencies to disseminate credit policies to all levels, sectors, and the people; and to organize training and guidance on loan procedures and documentation for entrusted socio- political organizations at community transaction meetings.

After more than three years of implementation, it can be affirmed that the preferential policies from Decree 28, as well as the attention and support from all levels, sectors, and localities, have helped many poor households and ethnic minority people in the province to build and repair houses to "settle down and make a living." This is not only a social welfare policy, but also a "boost" to create momentum for production development, helping people rise out of poverty sustainably. Hopefully, in the future, more poor households and ethnic minority households will have access to this loan capital, thereby contributing to sustainable poverty reduction and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Text and photos: Duc Thanh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/an-cu-cho-dong-bao-vung-dan-toc-thieu-so-260694.htm