Two-level government: Redefining ethnic and mountainous areas

(Chinhphu.vn) - In the context that localities are implementing a two-level government model and promoting socio-economic development, reviewing and redistributing ethnic minority and mountainous areas has become extremely necessary to ensure that policies are effectively implemented and suitable to the reality of each locality.

Identifying the right locations and support objects helps to concentrate resources, improve policy effectiveness and promote development in disadvantaged areas.

Clear delineation to optimize resource allocation

Ms. Chamaléa Thi Thuy - Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Khanh Hoa province said that according to Decision 861/QD-TTg dated June 4, 2021 of the Prime Minister, Khanh Hoa currently has 56 communes in ethnic minority and mountainous areas (EMM), including 35 communes in area III (especially difficult), 6 communes in area II (still difficult), 15 communes in area I (beginning to develop), and 137 extremely difficult villages. Despite many efforts, these areas are still facing major challenges in infrastructure, lack of basic services and high poverty rates.

In the context of re-merging communes and implementing a two-level local government model, Ms. Thuy believes that the early re-demarcation of ethnic minority and mountainous areas is an urgent requirement. This not only aims to identify the right areas and subjects in need of support, but also helps authorities focus resources in a focused manner, thereby improving the effectiveness of policy implementation and promoting comprehensive development for disadvantaged areas.

Not only Khanh Hoa, many provinces with large ethnic minority populations and some northern mountainous localities also proposed to soon issue a set of criteria for delimiting ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the 2026-2030 period.

In the report sent to the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions on the results of implementing the two-level government model in the field of ethnicity, belief and religion, the People's Committee of Thai Nguyen province also proposed: The issuance of a new Decree regulating the criteria for zoning is extremely necessary. This will be the legal basis for localities to proactively develop plans, determine needs, allocate budgets and implement policies right from the beginning of the new period, ensuring effectiveness and the right beneficiaries.

Mr. Ha Viet Quan: The Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions has completed the dossier of criteria for delimiting ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2026-2030 and submitted it to the Government for consideration; expected to be issued in September 2025 - Photo: VGP

Strategic steps for sustainable development

Speaking with the Government Electronic Newspaper, Mr. Ha Viet Quan - Director, Chief of the Office of Coordination of the National Target Program 1719 (Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions) affirmed that the demarcation of ethnic minority and mountainous areas is not only a technical task, but also a strategic step, playing a key role in planning and implementing policies for the development of special regions.

According to Mr. Quan, ethnic minority and mountainous areas often have very different natural, economic and social conditions and development needs compared to other areas. If not clearly defined, resource allocation can become scattered, lack clear direction, and even miss out on vulnerable groups in need of support.

The Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions has completed the dossier of criteria for delimiting ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2026-2030 and submitted it to the Government for consideration. It is expected that after receiving comments, the official decision will be issued in September 2025.

"This is not only the 'key' to allocating resources in a reasonable, fair and appropriate manner, but also a key factor in strengthening the connection between the government and the people, narrowing the development gap in all regions; ensuring that national target programs are implemented in the right direction and achieve sustainable results," Mr. Quan emphasized.

Son Hao

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chinh-quyen-2-cap-phan-dinh-lai-vung-dan-toc-va-mien-nui-102250911151744099.htm