The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs recently announced the first batch of villages in ethnic minority and mountainous areas and those classified as extremely disadvantaged for 2026-2030 under Decision No. 803/QD-BDTTG.

The decision took effect on Sept. 20, 2026.

For localities included in the latest announcement, the accompanying list replaces corresponding lists previously published, amended or supplemented under Decision No. 60/QD-BDTTG dated Jan. 29, 2026, Decision No. 104/QD-BDTTG dated Feb. 27, 2026, and Decision No. 255/QD-BDTTG dated May 8, 2026.

In Dien Bien Province, the changes are particularly evident in the number of residential units.

Under the previously announced list, the province had 1,446 villages in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, of which 923 were classified as extremely disadvantaged, equivalent to around 63.8%.

Following administrative reorganization, the province now has 888 villages, hamlets and residential groups, a reduction of 558 units.

Of these, 818 villages, hamlets and residential groups are in ethnic minority areas, while 632 are classified as extremely disadvantaged.

This means that, measured against the total of 888 residential units remaining after the reorganization, those classified as extremely disadvantaged account for about 71.2%, more than seven percentage points higher than the previous ratio of 923 out of 1,446.

Notably, while the absolute number of extremely disadvantaged villages fell from 923 to 632, their share of the total increased.

This change needs to be viewed in the context of the sharp reduction in the overall number of residential units following the reorganization.

The impact can also be seen in Muong Phang Commune in Dien Bien Province.

Under the list announced in Decision No. 60/QD-BDTTG on Jan. 29, 2026, Muong Phang had 50 villages. That list was compiled as local authorities reviewed and classified ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the 2026-2030 period.

Following the reorganization of villages, the current list under Decision No. 803 shows only 20 villages in Muong Phang.

Compared with the list published in January 2026, the number of villages in the commune has therefore fallen by 30, or 60%.

Updating the village list under Decision No. 803 is important for determining the areas covered by ethnic minority policies during the 2026-2030 period.

According to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, the list was compiled on the basis of village lists approved by provincial and municipal People's Committees following the reorganization of residential units.

The updated list will also serve as a basis for government agencies and local authorities to implement and review policies related to ethnic minority and mountainous areas during the 2026-2030 period.

Hoang Quy