It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the implementation of socio-economic development projects for the O Du ethnic group.

On the afternoon of June 6, the Ethnic Committee and the Provincial People's Council had a meeting with the Provincial Ethnic Committee according to the program to supervise the implementation of investment in the development of ethnic minority groups with very few people and ethnic groups with many difficulties in the province from the beginning of 2017 to present. Ms. Lo Thi Kim Ngan - Standing Member of the Provincial People's Council, Head of the Ethnic Committee, Provincial People's Council chaired the meeting. Photo: Mai Hoa

Some limitations to consider

According to the report of the Provincial Ethnic Committee, in Decision No. 2086 of the Prime Minister approving the project on Socio-economic Development of Ethnic Minorities with Very Small Populations in the 2016-2025 period, Nghe An province has 2 units within the scope of the project, including Vang Mon village and Nga My commune (Tuong Duong district); the direct beneficiaries are the O Du ethnic group - an ethnic minority with a population of less than 1,000 people (criteria for determining ethnic minorities with very small populations).

Based on Decision No. 2086 of the Prime Minister, the Provincial Ethnic Committee presides over and coordinates with provincial departments, branches and Tuong Duong district to advise the Provincial People's Committee to issue a project for implementation.

Mr. Vy My Son - Deputy Head of the Provincial Ethnic Minorities Committee reported to the monitoring delegation on the implementation results of the O Du ethnic project. Photo: Mai Hoa

From the central budget for 3 years (2018 - 2020) with more than 42.7 billion VND, the province has organized to support the O Du ethnic group to develop production and preserve, promote traditional cultural values, and improve the spiritual life of the O Du ethnic group.

In supporting production development, including providing 304 cow breeds associated with building a livestock barn system, supporting land reclamation for growing grass and corn for cow feed, veterinary support...

Regarding support for preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, including restoring traditional costumes, rituals and festivals, and the language of the O Du ethnic group.

Ms. Que Thi Tram Ngoc - Deputy Head of the Ethnic Committee, Provincial People's Council raised many issues related to early marriage and incestuous marriage among the O Du ethnic group in particular and ethnic minorities in general. Photo: Mai Hoa

The project's effectiveness has contributed to maintaining, developing and raising awareness, preserving culture, language and writing; gradually changing people's thinking and awareness about production, improving the material life of beneficiaries.

However, some opinions also pointed out many shortcomings in supporting cattle raising projects that do not take into account ensuring food sources for livestock when the project's orientation is confinement.

The people still have a high level of expectation and dependence; the number of cows sold by people after support or that die is many times greater than the number of cows that grow. Some issues regarding resettlement, early marriage, and incestuous marriage need attention.

Mr. Cao Tien Trung - Head of the Economic and Budget Committee, Provincial People's Council raised a number of issues that need attention in implementing projects and policies for ethnic minority areas in general and ethnic minorities in particular to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. Photo: Mai Hoa

In particular, violations in project management and implementation are lessons that need to be learned to continue implementing projects under the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas according to Decision No. 1719 of the Prime Minister.

Overall, the central government's capital allocated to implement the O Du ethnic development project was low compared to the approved capital demand, only reaching 35% of the capital plan; therefore, the target of reducing the poverty rate by 5-7% has not been achieved according to the approved project.

Mr. Vuong Quang Minh - Secretary of Quy Chau District Party Committee, member of the Ethnic Committee, Provincial People's Council gave his opinion at the meeting.

New direction needed for the very small ethnic minority O Du

Concluding the meeting, Ms. Lo Thi Kim Ngan - Standing Member of the Provincial People's Council, Head of the Ethnic Minorities Committee, Provincial People's Council requested that the Provincial Ethnic Minorities Committee should comprehensively evaluate the implementation of the project for the very small ethnic minority group O Du according to the goals and targets of Decision No. 2086 issued by the Prime Minister, on that basis, there should be appropriate recommendations and proposals in a new direction for this ethnic group.

On the other hand, the Provincial Ethnic Committee also needs to proactively coordinate with provincial departments, branches and localities to advise and propose to the province on orientations as well as project selection, clearly identify key plants, animals and products suitable for each locality, focusing on policy support according to the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development of Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas in Decision No. 1719 of the Prime Minister with many component projects.

Members of the monitoring delegation of the Ethnic Committee and the Provincial People's Council at the meeting. Photo: Mai Hoa

Continue to effectively implement Decision No. 2086 of the Prime Minister, and at the same time implement Decision No. 1227 of the Prime Minister approving the list of ethnic groups facing many difficulties and specific difficulties in the period 2021 - 2025 and criteria for identifying ethnic groups facing difficulties and specific difficulties in Decision No. 39 of the Prime Minister issued in 2020.