National Target Program for Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas: Completing Legalities, Accelerating Disbursement

(Chinhphu.vn) - The Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions is focusing on directing and organizing the implementation of important tasks under the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas. The activities not only aim to summarize Phase I (2021-2025) but also lay the foundation for Phase II (2026-2030).

Budget for 2025: Capital allocation reaches more than 70%, disbursement is still slow

The Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions informed and synthesized the plan and central budget capital for 2025 of the Program. By the end of June 2025, the Prime Minister had allocated 23,003,079 billion VND from the central budget to implement the Program, reaching 71.6% of the estimate approved by the National Assembly. Including: 14,163,502 billion VND for development investment; 8,839,577 billion VND of regular expenses. However, the disbursement situation still faces many challenges.

According to report of Ministry of Finance , newly disbursed public investment capital is 7,569,589 billion VND (44% of the plan). Of which, capital from previous years: 1,229,958 billion VND (41%). Capital in 2025: 6,339,631 billion VND (45%). New career capital reaches 3,467,555 billion VND, equivalent to 22.2% of the plan. Slow disbursement is a big challenge, directly affecting the progress and effectiveness of implementing projects and works in ethnic minority areas.

Decree on delimitation of ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2026 - 2030 plays an important role in shaping the scope of policies and areas of impact.

Movement for the period 2026–2030: Synchronous, proactive and strategic

Towards developing a medium-term plan for the 2026-2030 period, the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions has coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to issue guidelines for localities to review and plan public investment and career capital, to serve the allocation of the State budget in 2026 and general synthesis at the national level.

With only a few months left in the year, disbursement progress and preparations for Phase II will play a key role. The Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions has identified five key tasks, including:

Firstly, coordinate to complete the guiding documents, ensuring consistency according to the adjustments in Decision 920/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on adjusting a number of contents of the National Target Program on Socio -Economic Development for Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (NTDP) for the 2021-2030 period, phase I.

Second, complete the dossier to submit to the National Assembly on the proposed content of the National Target Program on Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas, Phase II (2026 - 2030).

Third , build a legal framework to adjust mechanisms and policies for phase II.

Fourth, continue to monitor, inspect, remove difficulties, guide localities and handle recommendations from National Assembly deputies, voters and people.

Fifth, closely coordinate with central and local agencies to promote disbursement of public investment capital in 2025 for the Program.

To ensure consistency and legality in the implementation of the Program, the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions is also presiding over the drafting of two important Government decrees, including: Decree on demarcation of ethnic minority areas ethnic minorities and mountainous areas in the period 2026 - 2030, plays an important role in shaping the scope of policies and areas of impact; Decree on criteria for identifying ethnic groups that are still facing many difficulties and have specific characteristics, aiming to create a legal basis for prioritizing investment and providing more appropriate support in the coming time.

With high determination and close coordination between ministries, branches and localities, the National Target Program for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas is facing a great opportunity to move to Phase II with a solid legal framework, clear resources and a methodical implementation plan. The overarching goal is still to improve the lives, narrow the development gap and preserve the cultural identity of ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Son Hao

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chuong-trinh-mtqg-vung-dan-toc-thieu-so-va-mien-nui-hoan-thien-phap-ly-tang-toc-giai-ngan-102250919104416486.htm