Prime Minister Announces New Ministry, Emphasizes Equitable Development for All Ethnic Groups.
(March 1, 2025) – Today, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính presided over the announcement of the National Assembly’s resolution to establish the Ministry of Ethnicity and Religion. This marks a significant advancement in managing and developing ethnic and religious issues in Vietnam.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính commended the efforts of Minister of Internal Affairs Phạm Thị Thanh Trà, and Mr. Hầu A Lềnh (former Minister and Chairman of the Ethnic Affairs Committee) in managing religious and ethnic affairs in the past. He also congratulated Minister Đào Ngọc Dung, who has completed her role as Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and now takes on a new responsibility at the Ministry of Ethnicity and Religion.
Prioritizing Education and Healthcare in Rural Areas
The Prime Minister highlighted the critical lack of boarding schools and basic healthcare facilities in remote areas, ethnic minority communities, border regions, islands, and coastal areas. This poses significant challenges for students and residents in accessing education and healthcare.
The Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Ethnicity and Religion to collaborate with the Minister of Education and Training to urgently develop a nationwide plan this year to address this. The goal is to build more boarding schools so students don’t have to travel tens of kilometers to school, ensuring their educational and daily life needs are met. Funding will come from increased revenue and unnecessary expense reductions.
Simultaneously, the Prime Minister directed the Minister of Health to develop a plan for upgrading and strengthening primary healthcare nationwide. The priority is the health and well-being of the people. The principle of “where there are students, there are teachers; where there are patients, there are doctors” needs effective implementation.
Promoting Equitable and Sustainable Religious Development
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Ethnicity and Religion to uphold the Party’s policies and national laws regarding ethnic and religious affairs. He emphasized equitable access, ensuring no ethnic group is left behind in development.
Regarding religious affairs, the Prime Minister emphasized upholding religious freedom, fostering a harmonious relationship between faith and life, and maintaining strong ties between religion and ethnicity. He underscored the need for effective governance and management to facilitate development in accordance with the Party’s and government’s policies.
Driving GDP Growth and Sustainable Development
The Prime Minister urged the Ministry of Ethnicity and Religion to actively contribute to political stability, social order, national development, and GDP growth exceeding 8%. The Ministry is expected to exemplify unity and cohesion, fostering strong local ties and inspiring equitable development. Enhanced information and communication efforts were also stressed.
Minister Đào Ngọc Dung, on behalf of the Ministry of Ethnicity and Religion, pledged to fulfill all assigned tasks.
Conclusion:
This resolution marks a significant turning point in national development, particularly focusing on basic education and healthcare in underserved areas. This investment not only improves the quality of life for residents but also paves the way for sustainable national growth.
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