The directive aims to accelerate construction of combined primary and lower secondary boarding schools in Vietnam’s border communes, a programme seen as important for social welfare and border development.
The Prime Minister said implementation had encountered multiple difficulties despite efforts by local authorities, noting that the model was new and subject to strict requirements on progress, quality and efficiency.
Several localities were still facing challenges related to investment procedures, site clearance and construction materials, while some projects remained at early construction stages, raising concerns over delays.
Under the directive, leaders of provinces and cities along Vietnam’s land borders will bear responsibility for project progress, construction quality, investment efficiency and management of project funding.
The government stressed the need to prevent wastefulness and ensure efficient use of resources during implementation.
Local authorities were instructed to mobilise resources, closely supervise contractors and complete all 100 pilot schools before the start of the new academic year.
The Prime Minister also called for investment to focus on essential facilities suited to actual demand, while avoiding unnecessary spending and scattered implementation.
Authorities were asked to prepare enrolment plans, staffing arrangements and operational conditions to ensure schools can begin operating immediately after completion.
The directive warned against situations in which schools are completed but remain unable to operate because of shortages of equipment or teachers.
The Ministry of Education and Training was tasked with urgently issuing guidance on enrolment, boarding arrangements, staffing and operational standards for the new schools.
The ministry will also coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and relevant agencies to develop staffing mechanisms, particularly for personnel responsible for caring for younger pupils in grades one to three.
Armed forces stationed in border areas were asked to support localities with manpower, machinery and equipment to help accelerate construction progress.