Circular No. 05/2013/TT-BTTTT guiding the work of competition and reward in the Information and Communications sector

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Information and Communications Sector

Ministry of Information and Communications

Pursuant to the Law on Competition and Reward dated November 26, 2003 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward dated June 14, 2005;

Pursuant to Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward, and Decree No. 39/2012/NĐ-CP dated April 27, 2012 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP;

Pursuant to Decree No. 187/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 25, 2007 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications, and Decree No. 50/2011/NĐ-CP dated June 24, 2011 amending Decree No. 187/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 25, 2007 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

At the proposal of the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Organization Department, the Standing Committee of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry,

The Minister of Information and Communications issues this Circular guiding the encouragement and reward work in the Information and Communications sector.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides competition and reward work in the Information and Communications sector, including: launching competition movements, signing competition agreements, competition contents and forms, criteria for awarding competition titles; criteria for awarding reward forms; authority to decide, procedures, and application files for awarding competition titles and rewards; organization and staffing for competition and reward work and the Competition and Reward Fund.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to individuals and organizations of Vietnamese citizens, Vietnamese citizens abroad, and foreign individuals and organizations involved in activities related to the Information and Communications sector (related to press; publishing; postal services and delivery; telecommunications and internet; broadcasting and transmission; radio frequency management; information technology and electronics; radio and television and national information and communication infrastructure; state management of public services in sectors and fields under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Communications).

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

1. Grassroots-level collectives: agencies and units with multiple member units having full legal status, operating in the field of information and communications.

2. Grassroots collectives:

a) Agencies and units under the Ministry of Information and Communications (hereinafter referred to as agencies and units under the Ministry); Provincial Departments of Information and Communications of provinces and centrally governed cities; member units with full legal status under grassroots-level collectives.

b) Agencies, units, organizations, and enterprises operating in the field of information and communications with full legal status.

3. Lower-level grassroots collectives: are direct subordinate units of grassroots units.

4. Other collectives: are units and organizations subordinate to lower-level grassroots units.

Article 4. Principles of Competition and Criteria for Awarding Commendation Titles

The principles of competition and the criteria for awarding competition titles shall be implemented in accordance with Clause 1, Article 6 of the Law on Competition and Reward; Article 3 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government; Point a, Clause 2, Part I of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV of the Ministry of Home Affairs, specifically as follows:

1. Voluntary, democratic, solidarity, cooperation, and joint development.

2. The awarding of competition titles must be based on competition movements; all individuals and collectives participating in competition movements must register for competition, set goals and competition indicators; individuals and collectives not registering for competition will not be considered for competition titles.

3. Commendation titles will not be awarded to individuals or collectives who have been administratively punished or disciplined with a warning or higher.

4. Period of service:

a) For individuals: have been appointed to civil servant and public service staff positions; workers who have signed labor contracts with their direct supervisors for at least one year; these individuals must have worked for at least ten months in the year of commendation;

Female employees on maternity leave according to the regulations of the State and those who have performed brave acts to save people or property, and those serving in combat roles due to injuries requiring medical treatment as determined by health authorities, their leave time will still be counted towards consideration for competition titles;

Individuals attending short-term training or education programs lasting less than one year, if achieving satisfactory results and complying with the rules of the training institution, can combine their working time with their training time to be considered for competition titles;

In cases where individuals attend training programs lasting one year or more and achieve satisfactory academic results, they will be ranked equivalent to "Advanced Worker" for the purpose of considering competition titles and other forms of commendation;

For individuals transferred to new positions, the new unit is responsible for considering and voting on competition titles based on comments from the previous unit (for cases where the individual has worked in the previous unit for six months or more);

b) For collectives: must have officially operated for at least ten months in the year of commendation.

Article 5. Principles and grounds for awarding rewards

The principle of rewarding is implemented in accordance with Clause 2, Article 6 of the Law on Competition and Reward; Article 4 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government, specifically as follows:

1. Shall be conducted regularly and promptly, ensuring transparency, democracy, fairness, and accuracy.

2. Rewards are based on achievements and standards, ensuring that achievements are rewarded accordingly. Achievements with wide-ranging impact or achieved under difficult conditions may be considered for higher-level rewards; it is not necessary to follow a sequence starting with lower-level rewards before moving to higher ones, nor does each subsequent reward need to be higher than the previous one.

3. Emphasis should be placed on rewarding small groups and individuals for outstanding achievements in key and urgent tasks during specific periods; particular attention should be given to rewarding workers directly involved in production.

4. Outstanding achievements recognized in special competitions or annual competitions are considered additional factors when evaluating comprehensive achievements over a period.

5. A single form of reward may be awarded multiple times to the same recipient if the achievements are equivalent.

6. Large-scale collectives such as Ministries, Economic Groups, and State-owned Corporations established by the Prime Minister's decision shall only apply annual reward forms.

7. Spiritual rewards should be combined with material rewards.

8. Rewards at each level shall be decided by the head of the agency or unit at that level based on the recommendation of the Competition and Reward Council at the same level.

9. No monetary awards shall be given; only commemorative gifts corresponding to the amount of the monetary award accompanying the titles and forms of commendation shall be presented to foreign organizations and individuals.

10. In one year, no more than one form of state-level commendation shall be proposed for a single recipient, except in cases of outstanding achievements. For cases where the criteria for awarding Orders relate to "Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister," the recipient must have received such a Certificate of Merit for at least two years before being nominated for an Order.

11. Based on the actual situation and the results of the annual competitive movement, the Ministry's Competition and Commendation Council will decide the number of Ministry Competition Flags and Ministerial Certificates of Merit to be awarded.

Article 6. Responsibilities of units in the work of competition and reward

1. Implement the leadership and guidance of the same-level Party Committee and the higher-level Party Committee on the work of competition and reward.

2. Carry out the work of competition and reward:

a) Manage the work of competition and reward and the machinery for such work.

b) Issue and inspect the implementation of normative legal documents, directives, urging, and guiding the implementation of the work of competition and reward.

c) Develop programs, plans, determine the content and goals of competition.

d) Coordinate with mass organizations to organize competitive movements, expand these movements within their jurisdiction. Conduct mid-term and final reviews of competitive movements, identify and select individuals and groups with meritorious achievements for commendation or recommend them for commendation by competent authorities as prescribed;

e) Coordinate with information and press agencies to implement publicity and dissemination activities regarding the Law on Competition and Commendation, guiding documents for implementing the Law on Competition and Commendation issued by the Government; Circulars and directives guiding the implementation of competition and commendation work by the Ministry; competitive movements initiated by the Ministry and units operating in the field of information and communication. Timely publicize exemplary models, good people and deeds, promote competitive movements and commendation work.

f) Provide information requested by the Standing Committee of the Ministry's Competition and Commendation Council about the results of activities, implementation of Party policies and State laws for cases proposed for commendation to ensure accurate assessment of achievements and commendation.

Article 7. Organization of machinery for competition and reward at all levels

1. Competition and Reward Councils (hereinafter referred to as Councils) at all levels:

a) The Council serves as an advisory body assisting the head of the unit at the same level in competition and commendation work. The Competition and Commendation Council is established at the level of basic units and above, by the decision of the head of the unit at the same level, defining its functions, tasks, working regulations, and relationships with specialized units responsible for competition and commendation work at the same level;

b) The Chairman of each level Council shall be the head of that level, the Vice-Chairman shall be the Chairman of the Trade Union, and the member of the Standing Committee shall be the head of the specialized unit or the staff responsible for competition and commendation work; members of the Council include representatives of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (if any) and staff responsible for key areas of the unit.

2. Specialized units responsible for competition and commendation work at all levels:

a) At the Ministry level: The Department of Competition and Commendation or the Office of Competition and Commendation under the Department of Organization and Cadres is the specialized unit responsible for competition and commendation work of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

b) At the grassroots level: based on organizational structure; requirements and tasks of competition and commendation work of each unit, the head of the unit shall consider and decide the specialized unit to be the Office or Department or arrange staff to handle competition and commendation work of the unit.

3. Responsibilities of specialized units responsible for competition and commendation work at all levels:

a) Advise the head of the agency or unit and the Competition and Commendation Council at the same level to concretize the policies and laws of the Party and State on competition and commendation work within their management scope;

b) Perform the function of the permanent office of the Competition and Commendation Council at the same level;

c) Develop programs, plans, contents of competition and commendation for each period and field to achieve the goals and tasks of the Ministry's and grassroots work plans;

d) Assist the head of the agency or unit in organizing competitive movements, conducting mid-term and final reviews, identifying exemplary models, summarizing and disseminating experiences, expanding competitive movements and exemplary models; propose innovations in competition and commendation work;

e) Review files, achievements, and propose forms of commendation accurately and promptly in accordance with legal provisions;

f) Publicize, disseminate, guide and inspect the implementation of competition and commendation work by subordinate units;

g) Inspect the implementation of regulations on commendation policies; participate in resolving complaints and denunciations related to competition and commendation work.

Chapter II
COMPETITION AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Article 8. Launching and directing competition movements

1. The Minister of Information and Communications shall launch and direct competition movements throughout the Information and Communications sector.

2. Heads of competition clusters, heads of agencies and units initiate and direct competitive movements within their management scope.

3. Heads of agencies and units shall coordinate with mass organizations at the same level to organize mobilization activities for unit members to actively respond to competition movements.

Article 9. Forms of Organizing Competitions

1. Regular competitions are organized and implemented throughout the working year to achieve set goals, targets, and work programs. Regular competitions apply among individuals within a collective, among collectives within the same agency or unit, or between agencies and units with similar functions, tasks, and nature of work (competitions by field).

2. Periodic competitions are organized to celebrate major holidays during the year or to successfully complete specialized tasks that are difficult and complex, and to address weak areas at specific stages and times (competitions by topic).

Commendations in periodic competition movements (or by topic) are only carried out when summarizing and concluding the competition movement; primarily applying commendation forms at the grassroots level and at the Ministry level. In cases where periodic or topic-based competitions organized by the Ministry last for five years or more, outstanding and exemplary individuals and groups will be selected for commendation by the Prime Minister or the President.

3. The organization of competitions and the evaluation of commendations in competition movements shall be conducted according to competition blocks and clusters. The Ministry of Information and Communications will issue separate regulations on organizing competitions and evaluating commendations according to competition blocks and clusters.

Article 10. Content of organizing competition movements

1. Clearly define the purpose, requirements, objectives, scope, and target audience of the competition, based on which specific competition targets and contents are established. Determining the content and targets of the competition must ensure scientific, practical, and feasibility.

2. Based on the characteristics, nature of work, occupational labor, scope, and target audience participating in the competition, appropriate and diverse methods of launching the competition should be adopted; opposing all ostentatious and superficial behaviors in competitions.

3. Implement measures to organize and mobilize competitions, monitor, urge, and inspect the implementation of competition movements.

4. Organize summaries, conclusions, and evaluations of the results of competition movements; evaluate competition titles and select outstanding and exemplary individuals and groups for commendation in competition movements.

5. Identify, publicize, disseminate, and promote exemplary models for emulation and learning.

Article 11. Signing Competition Agreements and Registering Competition Titles

1. Annually, higher-level and grassroots collectives have the responsibility to organize for their subordinate individuals and collectives to register for competitions and strive to achieve competition titles; compile and submit the competition registration form to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry before February 15 each year.

2. Cluster leaders organize the signing of competition agreements among agencies and units within the competition block and cluster, and submit the signed competition agreement to the Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council in accordance with the time limit stipulated in the regulations on organizing competition blocks and clusters.

3. The Standing Committee of the Competition and Commendation Council is responsible for compiling competition agreements and registrations for monitoring and serving as the basis for recommending the awarding of competition titles.

4. For agencies and units initiating competition movements with commendation registrations at the Ministry level or higher, they must report and obtain written approval from the Ministry of Information and Communications before launching such competition movements.

Article 12. Commendation Titles

1. Competition titles for individuals include:

a) Advanced Worker;

b) Outstanding Grassroots Laborer;

c) Outstanding Ministry of Information and Communications Laborer;

d) National Outstanding Laborer.

2. Competition titles for collectives:

a) Advanced Labor Collective;

b) Excellent Labor Collective;

c) Flag of Commendation of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

d) State Flag.

Chapter III
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS OF COMMENDATION TITLES

Article 13. The title "Pioneering Worker"

The title "Advanced Worker" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

1. Successfully completing assigned tasks with high productivity and quality;

2. Strictly adhering to the Party's guidelines and policies, State laws, demonstrating self-reliance and self-strengthening spirit; fostering unity, mutual assistance, and actively participating in competitive campaigns;

3. Actively studying politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills;

4. Possessing good morals and healthy lifestyle.

Article 14. Title "Outstanding Grassroots Laborer"

Clause 1. The title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Advanced Worker;

b) Proposing technical improvements, work solutions, research topics, or applying new technologies to increase labor productivity and work efficiency.

Any technical improvement proposal, work solution, research topic, or application of new technology must be recognized by the grassroots initiative review board. The grassroots initiative review board shall be established by the head of the agency or unit authorized to confer the title "Outstanding Grassroots Laborer." The board's members shall include those with professional management and technical expertise capable of evaluating and appraising technical improvements or work solutions within the agency or unit's management and implementation tasks.

2. Criteria for initiatives or application of initiatives:

a) Proposing administrative reform measures recognized and implemented by the agency or unit head;

b) Actively participating in researching and drafting policy proposals that yield high effectiveness and significantly contribute to state management and production activities;

c) Actively participating in scientific and technological topics that have been reviewed and yielded specific results;

d) Proposing or applying new management methods accepted by the agency or unit head for implementation within the agency or unit;

e) Proposing or applying service-related technical improvements accepted by the agency or unit head for implementation within the agency or unit.

Article 15. Title "Outstanding Ministry of Information and Communications Laborer"

The title "Outstanding Ministry of Information and Communications Laborer" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

1. Among individuals who have consecutively achieved the title of Outstanding Grassroots Laborer three times immediately prior to the commendation period and during this period, at least once received a Certificate of Merit from the Minister for overall achievements over the years;

2. The individual's achievements, technical proposals, work solutions, and research topics must have significant impacts on the Ministry and industry, recognized by the Ministry and industry Technical Improvement Council.

Article 16. Title "National Outstanding Laborer"

The title "National Outstanding Laborer" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

1. Among individuals who have consecutively achieved the title of Outstanding Laborer at the ministry or sector level two times immediately prior to the commendation period and during this period, at least once received a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister or a Labor Medal;

2. The individual's achievements, initiatives, work solutions, and research topics have a broad impact on the nation.

Each grassroots unit may nominate only one outstanding individual annually for the title of National Outstanding Laborer.

Article 17. The title "Advanced Labor Collective"

The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives that meet the following criteria:

1. Fulfilling well the assigned tasks and plans;

2. Having ongoing, practical, and effective competition movements;

3. At least 50% of individuals in the unit must achieve the title of Advanced Worker, and the unit must not have any individuals disciplined with a warning or higher penalty;

Clause 4. Internal solidarity, adhering well to the Party's guidelines and policies, State laws.

Article 18. Title "Excellent Labor Collective"

The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives that meet the following criteria:

1. Innovatively overcoming difficulties to excellently complete assigned tasks and fulfill all obligations to the State;

2. Having ongoing, practical, and effective competition movements;

3. All individuals in the collective must complete their assigned tasks, with at least 70% achieving the title of Advanced Worker;

4. The collective must have at least one individual achieving the title of Outstanding Grassroots Laborer and must not have any individuals disciplined with a warning or higher penalty;

5. Internal solidarity, exemplary compliance with the Party's guidelines and policies, and State laws;

Article 19. The Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Information and Communications

1. The Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be awarded annually to units at the grassroots level, within the grassroots level, and below the grassroots level that meet the following criteria:

a) Achieving the title of Outstanding Labor Collective at the highest exemplary level within the unit (unit below the grassroots level) or the most outstanding unit in a competition cluster organized by the Ministry; completing all assigned targets and programs comprehensively beyond the planned levels; achieving high productivity, quality, and efficiency;

b) Having new factors or models for other collectives under the Ministry of Information and Communications or collectives under other Ministries, agencies equivalent to Ministries, agencies under the Government, central mass organizations, provinces, and centrally-administered cities to emulate;

c) Internal unity, actively practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils.

2. The Flag of Excellence for achievements in thematic or sectoral competitive movements initiated by the Ministry shall be awarded after summarizing the results of such thematic or sectoral competitive movements; the Ministry will present the Flag of Excellence to leading collectives in these competitive movements.

Article 20. The Flag of Excellence of the Government

The Flag of Excellence of the Government shall be awarded annually to collectives that meet the following criteria:

1. Completing the annual production plan and work program comprehensively and surpassing the set targets; the achievements of the unit must be the most exemplary among similar units nationwide;

2. Having new factors or exemplary cases for emulation by similar units across the country;

3. Maintaining internal unity, being pioneers in thrift practices, anti-corruption, anti-graft, anti-smuggling, and social evils; actively participating in social activities;

Each field, profession, region, or competition cluster shall select only one leading unit to be considered for the Flag of Excellence of the Government. The collective receiving the "Flag of Excellence of the Government" must be an outstanding and excellent collective selected from those already recognized with the Flag of Excellence of the Ministry.

Chapter IV
FORMS AND CRITERIA FOR REWARDS

Article 21. Forms and Standards of National-Level Awards

National-level awards include: Golden Star Order; Ho Chi Minh Order; Independence Order, first, second, and third class; Labor Order, first, second, and third class; Resistance Orders and Medals; Friendship Orders; State Honorary Titles (Heroic Laborer, Heroic People's Armed Forces, People's Teacher, People's Doctor, People's Artist, Distinguished Teacher, Distinguished Doctor, Distinguished Artist); Ho Chi Minh Prize; State Prize; and Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, implemented according to Chapter III of the Law on Competitions and Rewards, Chapter III of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP, and Section II of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Article 22. Forms and Standards of Awards of the Ministry of Information and Communications

1. The Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Information and Communications shall be awarded to:

a) According to Clause 2, Article 49 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP, individuals who consistently perform excellently every year and have been honored twice consecutively with the title of Model Worker at the Grassroots Level;

b) According to Clause 3, Article 49 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP, collectives that have performed excellently in their assigned tasks and have been honored twice consecutively with the title of Outstanding Labor Collective;

c) Individuals and collectives with outstanding and exemplary achievements in a competition movement; a campaign; in implementing key and urgent tasks during specific periods; in a project or model case with wide influence throughout the industry;

d) Collectives with long-term contributions to the construction and development of the Information and Communications industry, awarded on the occasion of celebrating the traditional day of the agency or unit in even-numbered years;

e) Special cases determined by the Minister.

2. The Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Information and Communications" is a form of award of the Ministry of Information and Communications to recognize the contributions of individuals to the development of the Information and Communications industry in Vietnam. The granting of this medal follows the regulations stipulated in the Regulation attached to Decision No. 480/QĐ-BTTTT dated April 15, 2009, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications.

3. Commemorative Banner: The Ministry of Information and Communications presents a Commemorative Banner to recognize achievements in construction and development by collectives that have maintained stable development for five years or more; the content of the Commemorative Banner is proposed by the grassroots unit and reviewed by the Standing Committee of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Information and Communications, then submitted to the Minister for decision.

Article 23. Certificates of Merit issued by Heads of agencies or units at the grassroots level or higher

1. Certificates of Merit to be awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Fulfilling tasks and civic duties well;

b) Having good moral character; maintaining unity, setting a good example in implementing Party guidelines and State policies;

c) Continuously studying to improve professional knowledge and skills.

2. Certificates of Merit to be awarded to groups meeting the following criteria:

a) Fulfilling tasks well;

b) Maintaining internal unity; implementing democratic regulations well at the grassroots level, organizing effective competitive movements;

c) Caring for the material and spiritual lives of members in the collective; practicing thrift;

d) Fully implementing all systems and policies for all members of the collective.

3. The awarding of Certificates of Merit shall be conducted regularly to promptly encourage individuals and groups immediately after they have completed their assigned tasks excellently.

Chapter V
AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

Article 24. Decision-Making Authority

1. The Minister of Information and Communications decides to award:

a) "Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Information and Communications";

b) The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for agencies and units under the Ministry and the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation; Delegating authority to the Head of the unit at the grassroots level to decide on awarding the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" to subordinate collectives;

c) The title "Outstanding Soldier of the Ministry of Information and Communications" for individuals under the Ministry and the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation;

d) Commemorative medal "For the Information and Communications Cause";

e) Certificate of Merit from the Minister;

f) Commemorative plaque;

g) Titles such as "Advanced Worker", "Outstanding Soldier at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Labor Collective", and the form of awarding Certificates of Merit for agencies and units under the Ministry without legal personality.

2. Heads of agencies, units, organizations, enterprises with legal personality, separate accounts and seals decide to award:

a) The title "Advanced Worker";

b) The title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level";

c) The title "Advanced Labor Collective";

d) Form of awarding Certificates of Merit.

3. Decision-making authority for awarding commendation titles: Flag of Excellence from the Government, National Outstanding Soldier; forms of commendation: Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, Medal, Badge, Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize, Honorary Title of the State shall be implemented according to the provisions of Articles 77 and 78 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

Article 25. Organization of Presentation and Acceptance

1. Responsibility for organizing presentation: The Head of the unit at the grassroots level, grassroots level, or the Organizing Committee of specialized conferences shall organize ceremonies for presenting all commendation titles and forms of reward decided by the Head of the grassroots-level unit, the Minister of Information and Communications, the Prime Minister, the President, and the forms of reward decided by other Ministries, sectors, localities, and central mass organizations. In special cases, it will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Ministry for decision by the Minister.

2. Rituals for organizing presentation: Commendation titles and forms of reward decided by the Prime Minister and the President shall be implemented according to the provisions of Decree No. 154/2004/ND-CP dated August 9, 2004 of the Government. Commendation titles and forms of reward decided by the Minister and the Head of the grassroots-level unit need to be solemnly organized with motivational and educational effects.

3. Authority to award:

a) Commendation titles and forms of reward decided by the Prime Minister and the President: Implemented according to the provisions of Articles 81 and 82 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward;

b) Commendation titles and forms of reward decided by the Minister: The Minister shall present them personally or delegate others to present them;

c) Commendation titles and forms of reward decided by the Head of the grassroots-level unit: The Head of the unit shall present them personally or delegate others to present them.

Chapter VI
PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTS FOR REWARD PROPOSALS

Article 26. Procedures for Recognition and Awards

1. The procedure for commendation is carried out according to the principle that superiors only organize the examination for commendation or propose to competent authorities to commend when receiving the commendation proposal dossier from the immediate lower level. No dossiers sent beyond the immediate superior level will be accepted.

2. The level managing organizational structure, cadres, civil servants, public officials, workers, and salary funds shall propose rewards or submit to a higher level for rewards for objects within its management scope.

3. Commendation for achievements in competition movements: the level that initiates the competition movement is responsible for summarizing, selecting outstanding individuals and groups for commendation or proposing to a higher level for commendation.

4. Rewards for outstanding and sudden achievements: The level where outstanding and sudden achievements are made is responsible for granting rewards or proposing to a higher-level authority to grant rewards.

5. Procedures for commendation of commendation titles and achievement rewards within the decision-making authority of the Prime Minister and the President, shall be implemented according to Article 53 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government and Clause 1, Section III of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV dated January 24, 2011 of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Article 27. Procedures for Commendation and Awarding

1. For units with obligations to pay state budget revenues, when proposing commendation forms such as: Flag of Struggle, Certificate of Merit, Telecommunications Ministry Struggle Soldier, Outstanding Labor Collective, and other state-level commendation forms for collectives or individuals who are unit heads, in the report on achievements, the following contents must be clearly declared:

a) The actual amount of tax and other revenues paid compared to the registered amount in the year;

b) The percentage of state budget revenue paid compared to the previous year;

c) Commitment to have paid all types of taxes and other revenues as prescribed by law and within the stipulated time frame (confirmed by the competent financial authority. The number of years of tax confirmation corresponds to the number of years in the collective or individual's achievement report. Tax confirmation data includes: confirmation of actual tax and other revenue payments compared to registration; the percentage of state budget payments compared to the previous year; compliance with all types of taxes and other revenues as prescribed and timely payment).

2. Commendation titles and award forms must be reviewed and have written opinions from the Commendation and Award Councils at various levels before making a decision to award or proposing higher-level awards:

a) Advanced Worker;

b) Outstanding Grassroots Laborer;

c) Outstanding Ministry of Information and Communications Laborer;

d) National Outstanding Laborer.

e) Advanced Labor Collective;

f) Outstanding Labor Collective;

g) Flag of Struggle of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

h) Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Information and Communications;

i) Commendation titles and award forms at the state level as specified in Article 21 of this Circular.

3. For the awarding of the Commemorative Medal "For the Information and Communication Cause" and other cases of awarding based on simplified procedures as stipulated in Article 85 of the Law on Commendation and Awarding, there is no need to go through the Ministry's Commendation and Award Council. The specialized unit responsible for commendation and award work has the responsibility to review the files and achievements according to the prescribed standards and directly propose the award.

4. In cases where the title of Advanced Worker, Grassroots Struggle Soldier, Advanced Labor Collective, Outstanding Labor Collective, Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Information and Communications is proposed, more than 50% of the members of the Commendation and Award Council must agree.

5. In cases where the Flag of Struggle of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Struggle Soldier of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Flag of Struggle of the Government, Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, Orders and Medals of various types are proposed, more than 70% of the members of the Commendation and Award Council must agree.

6. In cases where the title of National Struggle Soldier, Hero of Labor, Hero of the People's Armed Forces, People's Teacher, Distinguished Teacher, People's Doctor, Distinguished Doctor, People's Artist, Distinguished Artist is proposed, more than 90% of the members of the Commendation and Award Council must agree.

7. State-level commendation titles and award forms: National Struggle Soldier, Hero of Labor, Hero of the People's Armed Forces shall seek opinions from all employees and people via the Ministry's online portal. The Standing Committee of the Commendation and Award Council of the Ministry shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to specify the content and form of seeking opinions on the Ministry's online portal within 15 working days.

8. Submit to the Prime Minister after obtaining the opinion of the Party Cadre and Civil Servant Committee of the Ministry of Information and Communications in the following cases of awarding:

a) Awarding cadres under the management of the Party Cadre and Civil Servant Committee of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

b) Award forms such as: Golden Star Order, Ho Chi Minh Order, Independence Order (all categories), titles: Hero of Labor, Hero of the People's Armed Forces, People's Teacher, People's Doctor, People's Artist, National Struggle Soldier.

Article 28. Consultation on Awards:

1. For Provincial Departments of Information and Communications under the Central Government: When proposing to award Certificates of Merit from the Minister or Flags of Excellence from the Ministry of Information and Communications to a Provincial Department of Information and Communications or its Director, opinions must be sought from the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed city.

2. For agencies and units located within provinces or centrally governed cities: When proposing awards for agency or unit collectives or their heads, opinions must be sought from the Provincial Department of Information and Communications.

3. The Ministry of Information and Communications will provide consultation on awards for cases proposed for national-level awards when there is a request for consultation from the Central Steering Committee for Competitions and Rewards or from ministries, sectors, or provincial people's committees.

Article 29. Documentation for Proposing Award Consideration and Rewards:

1. Documentation for Proposing Award Consideration and Ministry-Level Reward Forms: The proposing entity submits one set (original), including:

a) Memorandum;

b) List of proposed commendations;

c) Minutes of the Competition and Reward Council meeting or the unit's competition assessment minutes;

d) Achievement reports of individuals or collectives proposed for rewards;

2. Documentation for Proposing Award Consideration and Government or Prime Minister Reward Forms: The proposing entity submits three sets (originals), each including:

a) Memorandum;

b) List of proposed commendations;

c) Minutes of the Competition and Reward Council meeting or the unit's competition assessment minutes;

d) Achievement reports of individuals or collectives proposed for rewards;

3. Documentation for Proposing Orders of Merit Awards: The proposing entity submits four sets (originals), each including:

a) Memorandum;

b) List of proposed commendations;

c) Minutes of the Competition and Reward Council meeting or the unit's competition assessment minutes;

d) Achievement reports of individuals or collectives proposed for rewards;

4. Documentation for Proposing Heroic Model Titles includes four sets (originals), each including:

a) Memorandum;

b) Written proposal opinion of the same-level Party Committee;

c) Report on achievements of the individuals and groups proposed for rewards;

d) Minutes and results of secret ballot proposals for Heroic Model titles by the Competition and Reward Council at the level recommending awards.

5. Documentation for Proposing Awards for Foreign Organizations and Individuals and Overseas Vietnamese: The proposing entity submits three sets (originals), each including: A proposal letter from the proposing entity and a summary achievement report with confirmation from the recommending award body.

6. In cases where collectives or individuals are proposed for awards due to inventions, innovations, patents, applications of scientific and technological advancements, or other fields, confirmation from the competent management authority is required.

7. Achievement Reports for Individuals Proposed for Ministry of Information and Communications Labor Medal, National Labor Medal, or Proposed for Awards: Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Information and Communications, Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, Orders of Merit; in the achievement report, the content of the topic, innovation, solutions in work and management that have practical effectiveness must be clearly stated, along with extracts of confirmations from the Science and Innovation Council of the recommending award body; if the innovation, solution, or topic has been certified by an authorized body, a copy of the certification is attached instead of the confirmation from the Science and Innovation Council of the recommending award body. Additionally, for individuals who are heads of units subject to state budget obligations, they must comply with the provisions of Clause 1 of Article 27 of this Circular.

8. When submitting to the Minister for reward consideration or proposing national-level awards, the recommending award body must simultaneously send electronic files of the submitted documentation (in .doc format for proposal letters, lists, achievement reports of proposed award recipients; in .pdf format for other related documents) to the specialized competition and reward unit of the Ministry.

Article 30. Deadline for Submission of Nomination Documents for Awards

1. Awards for Achievements in Annual Competitive Movements:

a) Excellent Labor Collective Title: agencies and units shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council no later than December 15 of the award year;

b) Government Flag of Excellence, Ministry Flag of Excellence:

For agencies and units (excluding enterprises): shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council no later than December 15 of the award year;

For enterprises: shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council no later than February 20 of the following year from the year of the award nomination;

c) Commendation Certificate of the Minister of Information and Communications: agencies and units shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council no later than February 20 of the following year from the year of the award nomination;

d) Telecommunications Ministry Model Worker, National Model Worker Titles: shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council no later than March 30 of the following year from the year of the award nomination;

đ) Commendation forms: Prime Minister's Commendation Certificate, various Orders, Hero of Labor, Hero of the People's Armed Forces Titles: agencies, units, enterprises shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council no later than April 30 of the following year from the year of the award nomination.

2. Awards for Special Achievements in Specific Topics: agencies and units shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council immediately after the conclusion of the specific topic.

3. Awards for Outstanding and Unexpected Achievements: agencies and units shall submit their documents to the Standing Board of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council immediately after individuals or collectives achieve outstanding and unexpected results.

Chapter VII
COMPETITION AND COMMENDATION FUND

Article 31. Responsibilities and Principles for Establishing the Competition and Reward Fund

1. Each year, the specialized unit responsible for competition and reward work at the Ministry shall base on the implementation results of the previous year's Competition and Reward Fund; registered titles of excellence, commendation forms, and estimated expenses for competition and reward activities in the planned year to prepare the budget for the Ministry's Competition and Reward Fund.

2. Sources and methods for establishing and contributing to the Competition and Reward Fund:

a) The formation, establishment, contribution, and use of the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be carried out according to the provisions of Circular No. 71/2011/TT-BTC dated May 24, 2011, issued by the Ministry of Finance guiding the establishment, management, and use of the Competition and Reward Fund under Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010, issued by the Government;

b) Each year, the Department of Planning and Finance shall be responsible for advising the Ministry to allocate funds for competition and reward activities according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 67 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP and Circular No. 71/2011/TT-BTC;

3. The Ministry of Information and Communications encourages organizations and individuals inside and outside the industry to support and contribute to supplementing the Ministry's Competition and Reward Fund.

Article 32. Management and Use of the Competition and Reward Fund

1. The centralized Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry shall be managed by the Ministry Office and used for:

a) Organizing and implementing competition movements of the Ministry;

b) Awarding money or tangible items along with commendation titles and forms of rewards to units and individuals under the Ministry's Office (Departments, the Ministry’s Office, the Inspectorate);

c) Printing certificates, commendation certificates of the Minister, making commemorative medals for the Information and Communications Industry, Ministry Flags of Excellence, insignias of Telecommunications Ministry Model Workers, memorials, and other activities related to competition and reward.

2. The Competition and Reward Fund of each unit: shall be managed and used by the unit to organize unit competition movements, purchase reward items, cash rewards, or accompanying gifts with excellence titles and commendation forms for subordinate collectives and individuals, and other activities related to unit competition and reward.

3. At the same time, for the same achievement, and the same award recipient, if different awards and commendation forms are achieved, then only the highest cash reward will be received.

4. Calculation of cash rewards and amounts accompanying excellence titles and commendation forms shall be implemented according to the provisions of Articles 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and Article 76 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP and other relevant legal regulations.

5. Strictly prohibit the use of the Competition and Reward Fund for other purposes.

Chapter VIII
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COLLECTIVES AND INDIVIDUALS AWARDED

Article 33. Benefits for individuals and groups receiving awards

1. Individuals shall receive accompanying award items with the award decision (Certificate or Award Certificate, Badge, Medal, Commemorative Medal, Order) and a sum of money or commemorative gift as prescribed; they have the right to retain, display, and use the award items; they may be considered for early salary increase, priority in being sent for training and professional development both domestically and internationally according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Interior and other guiding documents of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

2. Groups shall receive accompanying award items with the award decision (Certificate, Award Certificate, Badge, Medal, Commemorative Medal, Order) and a sum of money or commemorative gift as prescribed; they have the right to retain, display, and use symbols of the award forms on official documents and materials of their units.

Article 34. Responsibilities of individuals and groups receiving awards

Individuals and groups receiving awards are responsible for preserving the award items; if lost, they will not be reissued. In special cases, the competent authority may consider and reissue them; they must not lend them to others for the purpose of committing acts that violate the law.

Chapter IX
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 35. Implementation

1. The Council for Competitions and Awards of the Ministry of Information and Communications; Cluster Leaders of competition clusters; Heads of agencies and units operating in the field of information and communications are responsible for disseminating and organizing the implementation of this Circular.

2. The Standing Committee of the Council for Competitions and Awards of the Ministry of Information and Communications shall urge, monitor, and inspect the implementation of this Circular throughout the industry, regularly reporting the results of its implementation to the Chairman of the Council for Competitions and Awards of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Article 36. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from April 20, 2013, and replaces Decision No. 876/QĐ-BTTTT dated June 29, 2009, of the Minister of Information and Communications on the issuance of the "Regulation on Competitions and Awards of the Ministry of Information and Communications."

During the implementation of this Circular, if there are difficulties or issues arise that are not appropriate, the Heads of agencies and units in the information and communications sector shall report to the Standing Committee of the Council for Competitions and Awards of the Ministry of Information and Communications for consolidation and reporting to the Minister for consideration and amendment to ensure appropriateness./.