The programme would merge three existing national target programmes into a single framework for 2026–2035. Lawmakers said the consolidation would help concentrate financial resources, improve policy coherence, and support modern, resilient rural development, especially in disadvantaged regions vulnerable to climate change.

They stressed that the programme remains a key driver for remote provinces and ethnic communities, providing essential infrastructure, poverty reduction initiatives and contributing to national security in border areas.

Local decisions, local implementation and local accountability

Deputy Ha Sy Dong from Quang Tri Province said shortcomings in the 2021–2025 period, including complex procedures, slow guidance and unclear decentralization, must be fully addressed. He proposed strong delegation to provinces and grassroots-level authorities, simplified investment procedures, and clear responsibility for decision-makers, including legal “safe zones” to protect proactive officials.

Deputy Ha Sy Huan from Thai Nguyen province backed a decentralisation approach under which the central government sets policies and supervises implementation, while localities decide project priorities. He suggested that communes, not only provinces, be empowered to approve and implement project lists, reflecting their direct knowledge of local terrain, culture and livelihoods.

Deputy Ho Thi Minh from Quang Tri province highlighted rising natural disaster risks in mountainous regions and said the current plan does not clearly address resettlement, livelihoods, or climate adaptation for ethnic communities in high-risk zones. She proposed granting local chairpersons special emergency authority without requiring time-consuming approval under the Public Investment Law.

Clearer coordination among ministries and agencies

Other deputies, including Vu Xuan Hung and Mai Van Hai from Thanh Hoa province, called for stricter rules governing how ministries and local authorities coordinate programme implementation, particularly in politically sensitive areas involving ethnic groups and religious communities.

They suggested assigning the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment as the lead agency, while handing management of ethnic-specific components to the Government’s Committee for Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Regions Affairs. Clear oversight mechanisms and risk control measures were urged to avoid fragmented and duplicated investments.

Law on State of Emergency sails through National Assembly

VOV.VN - With a majority of votes in favour, the National Assembly passed the Law on the State of Emergency at its ongoing year-end session in Hanoi on December 3.