Bac Giang (VNA)🌱 - In 2025, the northern province of Bac Giang is prioritising the effective implementation of programmes and policies targeting local ethnic minority groups, according to Truong Van Bao, deputy head of the provincial Board for Ethnic Minority Affairs.

The Board for Ethnic Minority Affairs is focusing on the projects, policies, and plans approved by the Government and the provincial People's Committee, including the programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the 2021-2030 period, with Phase I spanning from 2021 to 2025, along with the plan to hold the second conference to honour outstanding individuals in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

To ensure their success, Bac Giang is intensifying efforts to raise awareness among Party members, officials, and the public about the goals, significance, and content of these policies so that they actively engage in and monitor the implementation of the initiatives.

In 2025, the provincial Board for Ethnic Minority Affairs will enhance coordination with departments, sectors, and localities to strengthen inspection and supervision over the implementation of related projects and policies, improve the management of ethnic affairs, promptly address violations, prevent wastefulness and losses, and resolve difficulties encountered at the grassroots level. Bac Giang has also proposed the Government and the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies to allocate funds for loans for eligible groups under the Government's Decree No. 28/2022/ND-CP. This decree supports the National Target Programme for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021-2030 period, with Phase I running from 2021 to 2025. In 2024, the total budget allocated for this national target programme reached nearly 734 billion VND (29 million USD), sourced from central, provincial, and district budgets. Key projects managed by the Board for Ethnic Affairs included capacity-building training for the community and programme implementers at all levels, efforts to reduce child marriage and consanguineous marriage in ethnic minority areas, and legal education and awareness campaigns for ethnic minorities. The province has also implemented vocational training for residents in ethnic minority and mountainous areas (2022-2025) and programmes promoting gender equality in the communities. Additionally, it has intensified efforts to combat drug-related crimes in these areas under its 2021-2025 plan. Last year, the provincial Board for Ethnic Minority Affairs, in coordination with the provincial Department of Public Security, organised 10 awareness-raising conferences, engaging 760 influential individuals from community organisations and residents in ethnic minority villages, particularly in Son Dong and Luc Ngan districts. Furthermore, the board fruitfully carried out the provincial administration's plan on developing underground infrastructure and bridges in ethnic minority and mountainous areas during 2022-2024. Of the 26 facilities planned for 2024, 24 were completed and put into use, achieving a completion rate of 92.3%. By fostering community involvement, enhancing oversight, and addressing challenges promptly, Bac Giang aims to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its ethnic minority populations. The province’s efforts reflect its dedication to achieving the goals set forth in the national target programme and ensuring that no community is left behind in its journey toward progress and prosperity./.