The success of the rapid and sustainable poverty reduction program for 62 poorest districts over the past three years shows the Government’s Resolution 30a has been brought to life. But it still requires greater budget allocations from the state and more efforts from local authorities. Nguyen Trong Dam, Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, says the Government is set to carry on the program in a more effective way. The Government has focused on four target groups. First, to promote local production, generate jobs to increase incomes for the poor, support forest plantation and protection, and boost trade activities and labor exports. Second, to ensure sustainable poverty reduction by way of providing education and training for laborers. Third, to transfer officials and encourage young intellectuals to work in poor districts. Fourth, to increase infrastructure investment. In addition, the Government has directed relevant agencies to help poor people build houses and gradually stabilize their lives. So far, businesses have helped build around 2,000 projects, such as roads, bridges, electrical grids, medical stations and schools, in poor districts. Therefore, the number of poor households has been reduced by 5 percent annually and the local people’s living conditions have been much improved. Regarding the initial results of implementing Resolution 30a, Deputy Minister Dam says the Government has available resources from individuals, businesses, and other social organizations to carry out its resolution. It has sent many working missions to monitor the implementation process in localities, at least twice a year. However, some shortcomings remain to be addressed in connection with weak management skills in localities. Dam says they should focus more on using resources effective to improve the local people’s living conditions. Judging from intensive efforts to narrow the widening gap between rich and poor at both national and local levels, the number of poor districts will be reduced by 20 percent. (vov.vn May 24)
