Maximizing the effectiveness of investment capital in ethnic minority areas.

The Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions recently held a meeting to address difficulties and obstacles in the handover, acceptance, and disbursement of funds for the national target program on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee of O Lam Commune, Neang Sam Bo, speaks at the meeting. Photo: DANH THANH

At the meeting, Mr. Danh Sieng, Head of the Ethnic Policy Department of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions, stated that, implementing the national target program for socio -economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, giai đoạn 2021 - 2025, An Giang has disbursed over 528 billion VND, reaching 52.8% of the plan, including 355 billion VND for development investment (67.3%) and over 173 billion VND for recurrent expenditure (36.6%).

According to Mr. Danh Sieng, thanks to the synchronized implementation of many solutions, the province has now completed 18 out of 21 main goals and targets of the program. “Many essential infrastructure projects have received adequate investment. Policies supporting housing, livelihoods, education , and healthcare for ethnic minorities are gradually proving effective,” Mr. Danh Sieng said.

Representatives from the People's Committees of communes and wards in ethnic minority areas reported specifically on the implementation of the program in their localities. The handover, acceptance, and disbursement of funds for the national target program between the merged communes were carried out smoothly.

Besides the achievements, many opinions frankly pointed out difficulties and obstacles in the implementation process. Local authorities reported a shortage of specialized staff, especially newly assigned staff in charge of the program, leading to confusion in advising and preparing documents. Some projects and sub-projects no longer have beneficiaries and require adjustments, affecting the overall progress.

According to the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of O Lam commune, Neang Sam Bo, after the merger, the commune worked with the Project Management Board on the handover and acceptance of funds under the national target program. After review, the commune was allocated over 8.3 billion VND in investment capital, with over 7.8 billion VND disbursed, reaching 94%; the allocated operational capital is over 7.8 billion VND, with an expected disbursement of 1.1 billion VND by the end of 2025.

"However, the commune also encountered many difficulties during the implementation process. The commune hopes that the departments and agencies will continue to provide further guidance to ensure that the implementation targets the correct beneficiaries as stipulated," said Ms. Néang Sâm Bô.

In 2025, Rach Gia ward was allocated 289 million VND for operational expenses, and to date, the ward has disbursed over 72%. However, Rach Gia ward is facing difficulties with the remaining funds from 2022 to 2024 for Project 1, totaling over 3 billion VND, which have not yet been disbursed. The reason is that the locality has run out of eligible beneficiaries.

For the period 2026-2030, the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas is expected to receive over 1,000 billion VND, including 902 billion VND from the central government and 135 billion VND from the provincial counterpart funds. Localities are pleased that in Phase II, the central and provincial governments continue to allocate resources for the development of ethnic minority areas. However, some communes hope that the province will continue to provide support and timely, specific guidance from specialized agencies to help localities implement the program more quickly, minimize errors, avoid delays, and ensure that funds are disbursed according to plan.

Concluding the meeting, Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions Danh Phuc acknowledged and commended the achievements in the implementation and disbursement of funds. Mr. Danh Phuc requested that communes and wards review undisbursed funds and propose their transfer to 2026. For projects that have already been implemented and disbursed, localities should promptly enter the data into the Treasury and Budget Management Information System (TABMIS).

"The handover and disbursement of program funds must be strict and in accordance with regulations so that the funds of national target programs are truly effective, bringing practical benefits to ethnic minority people and preparing for the 2026-2030 period," Mr. Danh Phuc emphasized.

RENOWNED CITY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/phat-huy-hieu-qua-von-dau-tu-vung-dong-bao-dan-toc-a470526.html