Circular No. 08/2009/TT-BKH guiding the competition and reward work for the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam

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Based on the Law on Competition and Rewards 2003 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards 2005;

Pursuant to the Law on Issuing Legal Regulatory Documents dated June 3, 2008;

Pursuant to Decree No. 24/2009/NĐ-CP dated March 5, 2009 of the Government detailing and providing implementation measures for the Law on Issuing Legal Normative Documents;

Pursuant to Decree No. 116/2008/ND-CP dated November 14, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Planning and Investment;

Based on Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;

The Ministry of Planning and Investment guides the competition and reward work in the Ministry of Planning and Investment as follows:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides the competition and reward work in the Ministry of Planning and Investment, including: Forms and contents of organizing competition movements; titles of honor and criteria for such titles; forms, objects, and criteria for rewards; authority to decide on granting rewards, procedures, and application files for reward proposals; authority to establish, tasks, and powers of the Competition-Reward Councils at all levels; competition-reward funds, and handling violations related to competition and rewards.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Subjects of competition:

a. Individuals and organizations currently working at the Ministry of Planning and Investment;

b. Individuals and organizations currently working at the Provincial Departments of Planning and Investment (referred to as Departments); Financial-Planning Offices at the District level.

c. Individuals and organizations currently working at the Management Boards of Industrial Zones, Export Processing Zones, and Economic Zones (referred to as Management Boards).

d. Individuals and organizations currently working at the Provincial Statistical Offices (including District Statistical Offices).

2. Objects of rewards:

a. The objects specified in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular;

b. Enterprises investing abroad; foreign-invested enterprises operating in Vietnam;

c. Individuals and organizations engaged in planning and investment work at agencies, units, and enterprises under central ministries, departments, and local authorities.

d. Vietnamese individuals and organizations, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign individuals and organizations working at diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vietnam who have made significant contributions to the development of the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

3. Explanation of terms.

In these guidelines, the following terms are understood as follows:

a, Competition is an organized activity with voluntary participation of individuals and organizations aimed at striving to achieve the best results in building and defending the country.

involving multiple product types. Awards is the act of recognizing, commending, and honoring achievements and encouraging through material benefits for individuals and organizations with outstanding achievements in building and defending the country.

||| c, OF THE SUPERIOR AGENCY/UNIT is a form of recognition, commendation, and honoring individuals and organizations with outstanding achievements in the competition movement.

d, Competition Group is the organization of dividing agencies and units under the Ministry into groups with specific characteristics to sign competition agreements, set common goals, and strive to achieve those goals.

e, Competition Cluster is the organization of grouping Provincial Departments of Planning and Investment, Management Boards of Industrial Zones, Export Processing Zones, and Economic Zones into Clusters to sign competition agreements, set common goals, and strive to achieve those goals.

f, Competition Region is the organization of grouping Provincial Statistical Offices into Regions to sign competition agreements, set common goals, and strive to achieve those goals.

un, Units under the Ministry are understood as units directly under the Ministry of Planning and Investment as stipulated in Article 3 of Decree No. 116/NĐ-CP dated November 14, 2008 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Article 3. Objectives of Competition and Reward

The work of competition and reward aims to create motivation, encouragement, and honor for collectives and individuals who enthusiastically engage in creative labor competitions, striving to fulfill assigned tasks excellently, contributing to the development of the Planning and Investment sector.

Article 4. Principles of Competition and Reward

c) The granting of competition titles must be based on competition movements; all collectives and individuals participating in these movements must register for competition, set goals, and establish targets; those not registering will not be considered for competition titles.

a) Voluntary, transparent; ensuring a spirit of solidarity and cooperative development;

b) Bestowing commendations must be based on the results of the competition movement;

c) Individuals and collectives that have not registered for competition or have registered incorrectly or beyond the deadline will not be considered for rewards.

b) A single form of reward may be given multiple times to the same recipient; multiple forms of reward shall not be given for a single achievement;

a) Accurate, transparent, democratic, fair, and timely based on the correct assessment of the effectiveness of the work of collectives and individuals; emphasizing quality to meet standards; achievements made under difficult conditions and with a wider impact will be considered for higher rewards;

b) A form of reward may be given multiple times to the same recipient in different competition rounds;

c) Closely combining spiritual encouragement with material incentives;

d) Emphasizing rewards for collectives and individuals directly performing tasks or working in mountainous, remote, and border areas.

Chapter II

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE WORK OF COMPETITION AND REWARD

Article 5. Responsibilities of Heads of Agencies and Units in the Work of Competition and Reward

1. The Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Investment is responsible for the work of competition and reward in the Planning and Investment sector; Initiating and directing the competition movement within the entire sector.

2. Heads of agencies and units under the Ministry, Directors of Departments, and Chiefs of Management Boards are responsible before the Chairman of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry, actively coordinating with Party organizations and mass organizations at the same level to direct, organize, initiate, and maintain regular competition movements, expand exemplary models within the Bloc, Group, Region, and unit; proactively identifying and selecting collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements for rewards or recommending higher-level rewards according to this Circular's guidelines.

Article 6. Responsibilities of the Department of Competition and Reward of the Ministry

1. Taking the lead in coordinating with related agencies, units, and mass organizations to advise the Minister and the Competition and Reward Council on initiating, directing, maintaining, summarizing, and concluding competition movements throughout the sector.

2. Advising the Competition and Reward Council on regular competition and reward work and exceptional rewards.

3. Serving as the focal point for receiving competition registration files and reward recommendations; Compiling, reviewing, and submitting to the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry for consideration and decision.

Article 7. Responsibilities of Press Agencies in the Planning and Investment Sector

Newspapers and magazines of the Planning and Investment sector are responsible for publicizing competition and reward work; Identifying good people and deeds, outstanding individuals and collectives in the competition movement to set examples and promote exemplary models; combating and criticizing violations of laws on competition and reward within the Planning and Investment sector.

Article 8. Rights and Obligations of Individuals and Collectives Receiving Awards

1. Individuals receiving commendation awards in the form of titles of honor, certificates of merit, award certificates, monetary rewards, or tangible assets as prescribed shall be considered for early salary grade increases according to regulations; they shall be given priority for research, study, work assignments, and professional training both domestically and internationally; and such achievements shall serve as grounds for evaluation, planning, appointment, and reappointment of cadres.

2. Collectives receiving commendation awards in the form of titles of honor, certificates of merit, award certificates, and monetary rewards as prescribed shall have the right to retain and display awarded tangible assets, and declare their achievements in official documents and materials of their agencies and units.

3. Individuals and collectives recognized with titles of honor and commendation awards shall be responsible for maintaining and enhancing their achievements, striving to achieve higher levels of excellence and further commendation awards.

Chapter III

FORMS, CONTENTS OF ORGANIZING THE MOVEMENT FOR COMPETITION AND ACHIEVEMENT OF AWARDS AND STANDARDS FOR AWARDS

Article 9. Forms of Organizing Competitions

1. Regular Competition: This is a competition form conducted daily, monthly, quarterly, and annually aimed at achieving set goals and programs.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment organizes annual regular competitions divided into Competition Groups, Competition Clusters, and Competition Regions to sign competition agreements.

2. Periodic and Thematic Competitions: This is a competition form aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of work, competing to successfully complete key and urgent tasks of the unit during specific periods.

Article 10. Content of organizing competition movements

1. Clearly define the objectives, scope, subjects of competition, propose indicators, slogans, contents, and duration of the competition. Determining the content and criteria of the competition must be scientific, suitable to the practical conditions of each agency and unit, and feasible.

2. Determine methods to organize the competition movement; adopt appropriate forms to launch the competition, emphasizing publicity work and fostering a sense of responsibility among individuals and collectives.

3. Launch and direct the implementation of the competition movement; mobilize, monitor the organization process of the competition, organize pilot guidance to draw lessons and disseminate good practices for participating entities.

4. Summarize and conclude the competition to evaluate results and effects of the competition movement; publicly select, review, commend, and reward outstanding individuals and collectives; publicize, disseminate, and promote exemplary models in the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Article 11. Registration for Titles of Honor; Signing Competition Agreements

1. At the beginning of the year, agencies and units organize for individuals and collectives to register for competition; subordinate units under the Ministry submit their competition registration forms, along with collective and individual competition registration templates, to the Department of Competition and Rewards before January 31 each year.

2. For large programs, projects, and comprehensive surveys, units shall proactively develop plans and register for competition as prescribed.

3. Based on the annual competition movement launched by the Chairman of the Competition and Rewards Council of the Ministry, Competition Groups, Clusters, and Regions organize for agencies and units to sign competition agreements (directly or indirectly) expressing their commitment to respond to and implement the proposed competition movement.

Article 12. Commendation Titles

1. Commendation titles for individuals (only applicable to officials and civil servants working at units under the Ministry of Planning and Investment): National Vanguard Fighter; Ministry-level Vanguard Fighter; Base-level Vanguard Fighter; Advanced Worker.

2. Competition titles for collectives:

a) For units specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 2 of this Circular: Flag of Government Excellence; Flag of Ministry Excellence; Outstanding Labor Collective; Advanced Labor Collective.

b) For Departments and Management Boards: Flag of Ministry Excellence.

Article 13. Standards for commendation titles for individuals

1. National Vanguard Fighter:

The title "National Vanguard Fighter" is awarded to individuals who have outstanding achievements among those who have continuously achieved the title "Ministry-level Vanguard Fighter" twice (including the year proposed for the award of the National Vanguard Fighter title and the immediately preceding year); the achievements must be highly effective and influential nationwide.

2. Ministry-level Vanguard Fighter: Must meet the following standards:

- Individuals with outstanding achievements among those who have continuously achieved the title "Base-level Vanguard Fighter" three times (including the year proposed for commendation and the two immediately preceding years);

- Achievements must have a positive impact within the entire Planning and Investment sector.

Quantity and ratio:

+ For units with fewer than 60 people: One person can be elected.

+ For units with 60 people or more: On average, one person is elected for every 60 people (if the remainder exceeds half, one additional person can be elected).

3. Base-level Vanguard Fighter: Awarded annually, once a year at the end of the work year.

Must meet the following standards:

- Be an advanced worker;

- Have initiatives, technological improvements, management solutions, or the application of new technologies to increase labor productivity and work efficiency, recognized by the grassroots Scientific Council (Initiative Council) or participate primarily (as Head, Deputy Head, Secretary) in scientific topics at the Ministry level, General Department level, or grassroots level that are rated as good or higher.

In addition to the above standards, for officials and civil servants who are heads of units under the Ministry, the unit must achieve the title "Outstanding Labor Collective".

Quantity and ratio:

+ For units with fewer than 17 people: Two people can be elected from the base-level Vanguard Fighters, with the maximum number of leaders from Bureaus, Departments, Institutes being one person.

+ For units with 17 people or more: The election ratio does not exceed 15% of the total number of officials, civil servants, employees in the unit (if the remainder exceeds half, one additional person can be elected). Among the elected base-level Vanguard Fighters, leaders from Bureaus, Departments, Institutes cannot exceed 20%. (In cases where the unit elects fewer than five people, the maximum number of leaders from Bureaus, Departments, Institutes is one person).

4. Advanced Worker:

The title "Advanced Worker" is awarded to individuals who meet the following standards:

- Successfully complete assigned tasks, achieving high productivity and quality;

- Adhere well to the policies of the Party, laws of the State, policies, regulations, and internal rules of the industry, unit, and locality; demonstrate self-reliance, unity, and active participation in competitive movements;

- Maintain healthy morals and lifestyle;

- Actively study politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills;

- Score a minimum of 81 points (scored according to Model 13a).

For officials and civil servants who are heads (General Departments, Bureaus, Departments, Institutes, and equivalent positions), in addition to the above standards, the unit must achieve the title "Advanced Labor Collective".

- Individuals sent for short-term training under one year, if they achieve satisfactory academic results and comply with the regulations of the training institutions, their academic performance will be combined with their work performance at the agency or unit for evaluation of the Advanced Worker title. For those studying or training for one year or more, achieving satisfactory academic results, the academic year will be considered equivalent to the "Advanced Worker" title for the purpose of awarding other commendation titles and honors;

- Individuals who take leave for work for two months or more (40 days or more according to the working system) in one year are not eligible for consideration and election for the Advanced Worker title (in cases of maternity leave, they remain eligible for consideration and election).

Article 14. Criteria for commendation titles for collectives

1. Flag of Government Excellence: To be awarded annually during the year-end review of the Ministry's work to outstanding collectives that have excelled in comprehensively completing their assigned tasks for the year; having new factors and models for other collectives in the entire sector to emulate; being selected and recognized as the most outstanding collective among Groups, Clusters, and Regions.

The title "Flag of Government Excellence" is awarded to collectives meeting the following criteria:

- Being the most outstanding collective among Groups, Clusters, and Regions within the Planning and Investment sector;

- Having new factors and models that are exemplary for the whole country to learn from;

- Internal unity, leading in practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils;

- Having individuals who have received the title of "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" and not having any individual disciplined with a warning or higher.

Quantity and ratio: Annually, implemented according to the Guidelines of the Central Steering Committee for Commendation and Rewards and current regulations.

2. Flag of Ministry Excellence: To be awarded annually during the year-end review of the Ministry's work to collectives meeting the following criteria:

- Exceeding all set targets and assigned tasks for the year; being exemplary collectives in completing their work tasks excellently;

- Having new factors and models for other collectives in the Planning and Investment sector to emulate, being selected and recognized as the most outstanding collective among Groups, Clusters, and Regions of the Ministry;

- Internal unity; actively practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils;

- Having individuals who have received the title of "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" and not having any individual disciplined with a warning or higher. Quantity and ratio:

- Group of units under the Ministry: 06 flags

- Group of units under the General Statistics Office: 07 flags

- Group of Provincial Planning and Investment Departments: 08 flags

- Group of Management Boards: 08 flags

- Group of Statistical Offices: 07 flags.

3. Outstanding Labor Collective:

The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" is awarded to collectives meeting the following criteria:

- Being the most outstanding among collectives that have received the title of "Advanced Labor Collective" immediately prior to the recommendation period; must score a minimum of 91 points (rated according to model 13b).

For provincial statistical offices directly under the central government, based on annual competition results by Region, select units ranked 1st and 2nd in the Region consisting of 5 provincial statistical offices, and select units ranked 1st to 5th in other Regions.

- Innovative, overcoming difficulties, comprehensively exceeding all assigned targets and tasks with high quality and effectiveness;

- Maintaining a regular, practical, and effective competitive movement;

- All individuals in the collective completing their assigned tasks, with at least 70% of individuals receiving the title of "Advanced Worker";

- Having individuals who have received the title of "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" and not having any individual disciplined with a warning or higher.

Quantity and ratio:

For units under the Ministry: reviewed and decided by the Ministry's Council for Commendation and Rewards; for units directly under the General Statistics Office, reviewed and recommended by the General Statistics Office's Council for Commendation and Rewards to the Ministry's Council for final decision.

For departments and divisions directly under (including those under various departments, institutes, and provincial statistical offices), no more than 30% of the total number of departments and divisions of the unit can be elected. If the remainder exceeds half, one additional unit can be elected.

4. Advanced Labor Collective:

The title "Advanced Labor Collective" is awarded to collectives meeting the following criteria:

- Internal unity, strictly adhering to the Party's policies, state laws, sectoral policies, regulations, and local rules;

- Successfully completing assigned tasks and plans; fulfilling all obligations to the state;

- Maintaining a regular, practical, and effective competitive movement. The Party organization, Trade Union, and Youth League achieving integrity and strength;

- At least 95% of individuals in the collective completing their assigned tasks, with over 50% of individuals in the collective receiving the title of "Advanced Worker" and not having any individual disciplined with a warning or higher.

Quantity and ratio: Must score a minimum of 81 points (rated according to the point scale model 13b)

Chapter IV

FORMS OF REWARD, CRITERIA FOR REWARD FORMS, PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF ELECTION

Article 15. Forms of Reward

1. Regular reward: is a form of reward for collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results after completing annual tasks or multi-year plans.

2. Specialized and extraordinary rewards:

- Specialized reward is a form of reward for collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results when summarizing and concluding the implementation of target programs, a comprehensive survey, or a special project, related to management tasks, planning, building mechanisms and policies for economic and social development.

- Extraordinary reward: is a form of reward for collectives and individuals with outstanding and exceptionally excellent achievements, inventions, patents, outstanding national scientific works, organizational management solutions that set examples within Ministries and sectors (not included in competition targets or not participating in signing competition agreements).

Article 16. Forms of Reward

1. State forms of reward: Orders, Friendship Medals, National Honorary Titles, Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize, Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister.

2. Ministry forms of reward:

a) Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Planning and Investment of Vietnam"; Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Statistics of Vietnam".

b) Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Planning and Investment. c) Various Prizes of the Ministry.

3. Forms of reward by heads of agencies and units having separate accounts, seals, and legal personality: Letter of Commendation.

4. Application of reward forms:

a) For units under the Ministry: apply all the above reward forms.

b) For Departments and Management Boards: Only implement the reward forms specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 17. Standards for Reward Forms

1. National-level reward forms: Orders and Friendship Medals shall be implemented according to the provisions of Chapter III of the Law on Competition and Rewards and Chapter III of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005, of the Government.

2. National Honorary Titles, Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize shall be implemented according to the provisions of Chapter III of the Law on Competition and Rewards; Chapter III of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005, of the Government.

3. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Planning and Investment of Vietnam" shall be implemented according to Circular No. 07/2009/TT-BKH dated October 14, 2009, guiding the awarding of the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Planning and Investment of Vietnam" issued by the Minister of Planning and Investment; Commemorative Medal

"For the Cause of Statistics of Vietnam" shall be implemented according to the Regulation on Awarding the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Statistics of Vietnam" promulgated together with Decision No. 848/QĐ-BKH dated July 4, 2008, of the Minister of Planning and Investment.

4. Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister:

- Awarded to individuals who have been awarded a Certificate of Merit at the Ministry level, continuously received the title of "Outstanding Grassroots Militia Soldier" for five years or more, or achieved outstanding achievements.

- Awarded to collectives who have been awarded a Certificate of Merit at the Ministry level, continuously received the title of "Excellent Labor Collective" for three years or more, or achieved outstanding achievements.

5. Certificate of Merit from the Minister:

a) For individuals, meeting one of the following criteria:

- Excellently completing tasks and consecutively twice receiving the title of "Outstanding Grassroots Militia Soldier" (including the year proposed for commendation and the preceding year);

Quantity and ratio: units with less than 30 people elect 1, less than 60 people elect 2, less than 90 people elect 3, less than 120 people elect 4, less than 150 people elect 5, over 150 people elect 6.

- Achieving outstanding results, evaluated during competition campaigns launched by the Ministry;

- Having long-term service or significant contributions to the cause of building and developing the Planning and Investment sector, the Statistics sector, awarded on the occasion of celebrating the founding day of the sector, agency, unit every even year (5 years, 10 years);

- Other cases decided by the Minister.

b) For collectives: meeting the criteria stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 72 of the Law on Competition and Rewards and one of the following criteria:

- Excellently completing tasks and consecutively twice receiving the title of "Excellent Labor Collective" (including the year proposed for commendation and the preceding year); Quantity and ratio:

+ For units under the Ministry; Departments and equivalent units directly under the General Statistics Office: Decided by the Ministry's Competition and Rewards Council.

+ For Departments and Management Boards; General Statistics Office (at the department/bureau level under Departments, Institutes, and Statistics Bureaus), then calculated based on the ratio: less than 9 departments elect 1, 9 or more departments elect 2.

- Achieving outstanding results, evaluated during competition campaigns launched by the Ministry;

- Awarding units outside the Planning and Investment sector, both domestic and foreign, with outstanding achievements contributing to the development of the Planning and Investment sector.

6. Letter of Commendation from the head of the agency or unit having separate accounts, seals, and legal personality.

The standards for the Letter of Commendation from the head of the agency or unit shall be implemented according to the provisions of Article 75 of the Law on Competition and Rewards and Article 50 of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005, of the Government.

Article 18. Principles for Voting

1. The evaluation and awarding process shall be conducted at the end of each year of work, during a campaign, a period of competition on a specific topic, a comprehensive survey, or upon the discovery of exemplary individuals or good deeds.

2. Individuals and groups nominated for awards must receive at least 70% of the votes from those participating in the voting; the number of participants in the voting must be at least 80% of the eligible voters.

3. The voting shall be carried out through either a show of hands or secret ballot. For the title of "Model Worker" at all levels, the voting must be conducted by secret ballot.

4. Eligible voters:

- Those eligible for nomination: are individuals who have worked or studied for at least ten months, including those on maternity leave. Individuals transferred from another location who have not worked for ten months must provide confirmation of their work time and performance from their previous unit before the transfer.

- Those entitled to vote: are individuals who have worked at the unit for at least six months.

Article 19. Methods for Voting and Scoring

1. The voting process shall proceed as follows:

Step 1: Individuals and groups self-assess and score themselves;

Step 2: The unit evaluates and scores each criterion.

2. For units under the Ministry without subordinate departments: organize evaluations and nominations for commendation titles within the unit under the Ministry and propose to the Ministry's Commendation Council for examination and recognition.

3. For units under the Ministry with departments: organize evaluations and nominations within each department; then the unit's Commendation Council reviews and proposes to the Ministry's Commendation Council for examination and recognition.

4. For units under the Ministry (which have been classified according to Decision No. 676/QD-KH dated May 25, 2009): organize evaluations and nominations within subordinate units; then the units under the Ministry decide on commendations within their authority; review and submit to the Ministry's Commendation Council for higher-level commendations.

5. For units directly under the General Statistics Office: follow the procedure below:

- Organize evaluations and nominations within direct units;

- The Bureau or unit decides on commendations within its authority;

- Submit to the General Statistics Office's Commendation Council for approval within its authority;

- The General Statistics Office's Commendation Council submits to the Ministry's Commendation Council for higher-level commendations.

6. For Departments and Management Boards: organize evaluations and nominations within direct units; then the Department, Board, or basic unit reviews and submits to the Ministry's Commendation Council for decision.

7. Regarding scoring: Units under the Ministry score according to forms 13a and 13b; Departments and Boards score according to forms 14a and 14b.

Chapter V

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE, BESTOW, PROCEDURES, REGULATIONS, FILES AND MANAGEMENT OF AWARD NOMINATION FILES

Article 20. Authority to Decide on Bestowing Commendation Titles and Awards

1. Authority to bestow awards: Orders, Medals, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award", National Honor Titles; "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence", "National Model Worker", "Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit"; shall be implemented according to Articles 77 and 78 of the Law on Competition and Rewards.

2. The Minister decides to bestow Certificates of Merit, Flags of Excellence of the Ministry, titles of "Outstanding Labor Collective", "Ministry-Level Model Worker", Commemorative Medals "For the Cause of Planning and Investment in Vietnam", Commemorative Medals "For the Cause of Statistics in Vietnam".

3. The Minister decides to bestow the title of "Basic-Level Model Worker" for the heads of units under the Ministry.

4. The Minister decides to bestow the titles of "Basic-Level Model Worker", "Advanced Worker", "Outstanding Labor Collective", and "Advanced Labor Collective" for individuals and collectives in units (excluding those units specified in Clause 5 of this Article).

5. The heads of the following units decide to bestow the titles of "Basic-Level Model Worker", "Advanced Worker", "Advanced Labor Collective", and certificates of merit:

a. The Tender Management Bureau; The Enterprise Development Bureau; The Foreign Investment Bureau; The Institute of Development Strategies; The Central Institute for Economic Management Studies; The National Center for Information and Forecasting of Economy-Society; The Computing Center; The Investment Newspaper; The Journal of Economics and Forecasting; The Academy of Policy and Development; The College of Economics and Planning Da Nang;

b. The General Statistics Office decides to bestow commendation titles for collectives and individuals under the General Statistics Office; bestow the title of "Basic-Level Model Worker" for the heads of units directly under the General Statistics Office.

c. Units directly under the General Statistics Office with legal entity status decide to reward individuals and collectives under their management.

6. Specifically, the decision to bestow the title of "Basic-Level Model Worker" for the heads of units will be supplemented after the unit has been recognized as an "Outstanding Labor Collective".

Article 21. Ceremony for awarding commendation titles and forms of reward

1. The ritual for presenting Orders, Medals, State honorary titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award," "State Award," "Prime Minister's Flag of Competition," and Prime Minister's Certificates of Merit shall be carried out according to the provisions set forth in Decree No. 154/2004/NĐ-CP dated August 9, 2004 of the Government on state ceremonial procedures in organizing meetings, commemorations, presentations, and receptions of state honorary titles, Orders, Medals, Prime Minister's Flags of Competition, and Prime Minister's Certificates of Merit.

2. For commendation titles and forms of reward within the authority of Ministers and national-level commendation titles and forms of reward (Prime Minister's Flag of Competition, Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit, National Labor Medalist; Orders, Medals, State honorary titles), the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall proactively coordinate with relevant agencies and units to organize the announcement and presentation of rewards. In cases where agencies and units wish to organize separate reception ceremonies, the heads of these agencies and units shall independently develop plans and coordinate with the Department of Mobilization and Reward to organize the announcement and presentation to individuals and groups within their units.

3. Announcing and presenting commendation titles and forms of reward is an opportunity to honor exemplary models and advanced examples, organized solemnly and practically, avoiding ostentatious formalism and waste. When organizing, it may be combined with the annual meeting to review sectoral work or integrated with other unit contents to save time and costs.

Article 22. Commendation Reward Process

1. The leading body initiating competition campaigns selects outstanding individuals and groups for rewards or recommends higher authorities to grant rewards.

2. The Minister of Planning and Investment submits to the Prime Minister for granting commendation titles and national-level forms of reward: Prime Minister's Flag of Competition, Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit; National Labor Medalist; Orders, Medals, and State honorary titles.

3. The Ministry of Planning and Investment agrees to rewards for commendation titles and forms of national reward based on proposals from the Central Mobilization and Reward Board or People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities.

4. Heads of units under the Ministry submit to the Minister for granting rewards (Minister's Certificate of Merit, commendation titles) within the Minister's decision-making authority and recommend national-level commendation titles and forms of reward.

5. Directors of Provincial Planning and Investment Departments submit to the Minister for granting rewards:

- The Ministry's Flag of Competition for provincial department teams, Minister's Certificates of Merit for provincial department teams and individuals.

- Minister's Certificates of Merit for teams and individuals from foreign-invested enterprises not located in industrial zones, export processing zones, or economic zones.

6. Chiefs of management boards of industrial zones, export processing zones, and economic zones in provinces and centrally-administered cities submit to the Minister for granting rewards:

- The Ministry's Flag of Competition for board teams, Minister's Certificates of Merit for board teams and individuals.

- Minister's Certificates of Merit for teams and individuals from foreign-invested enterprises located in industrial zones, export processing zones, or economic zones.

7. For foreign-invested enterprises: heads of directly supervising agencies or chairmen, directors of enterprises (for enterprises without direct supervisors) prepare files and lists for submission to the Department of Mobilization and Reward for review and assessment, then submitted to the Chairman of the Ministry's Mobilization and Reward Council for decision.

8. For units outside the sector and international affairs:

Heads of agencies and units with working relationships propose to competent authorities for consideration and recommendation to the Ministry of Planning and Investment for granting rewards according to the Minister of Planning and Investment's decision-making authority, specifically:

- At the local level, files and lists are prepared by provincial departments or management boards, accompanied by detailed reports of achievements and opinions from provincial people's committee leaders, sent to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Mobilization and Reward Council.

- At the central level, files and lists are prepared by central units, accompanied by confirmation letters of achievements, sent to the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Mobilization and Reward Council.

Article 23. Documents for Proposing Awards

1. The documents submitted by units under the Ministry of Planning and Investment to the Minister include:

a) A proposal letter with award recommendation (two copies, according to Form No. 1);

b) Minutes of the Meeting of the Competition and Award Council (or Minutes of the Meeting of all cadres, civil servants, and public officials) assessing awards for units under the Ministry and the results of secret ballot voting for those elected as Outstanding Competitors (two copies, according to Form No. 2);

c) List of award recommendations (one copy, according to Form No. 3, 4a, 4b, 5);

d) Reports on achievements of collectives and individuals recommended for awards (according to Form No. 6, 7);

- For commendation titles and Certificates of Merit within the authority of the Minister: two copies of achievement reports confirmed by the recommending level.

Specifically, for the title of "Outstanding Competitor at the grassroots level," it must be accompanied by confirmation from the Review Board recognizing grassroots-level initiatives.

- For commendation titles and national-level award forms: two copies of achievement reports and five copies of summarized achievement reports confirmed by the recommending level.

2. The documents submitted by Departments and Management Boards of provinces and centrally-administered cities to the Minister include:

a) A proposal letter with award recommendation (two copies, according to Form No. 1);

b) Minutes of the Meeting of the Competition and Award Council (or Meeting of all cadres, civil servants, and public officials) assessing awards for the Department or Board (two copies, according to Form No. 2);

c) Reports on achievements of collectives and individuals recommended for awards: two copies, confirmed by the recommending level (according to Form No. 6, 7);

d) List of award recommendations (according to Form No. 5).

3. Documents for special cases of awards (bestowing Hero titles during the period of renewal, immediate awards, thematic awards, awards for dedication over time) include:

a) A proposal letter from the competent agency or unit recommending awards (according to Form 1);

b) Minutes of the Meeting of the Competition and Award Council assessing awards for the agency or unit (two copies, according to Form No. 2);

c) Achievement report confirmed by the recommending level or achievement report established by the related unit (from Form No. 8 to Form No. 12);

d) List of award recommendations attached (according to Form No. 5).

4. Within ten working days from the date of signing the award decision within the authority of the Minister and receiving the award decisions of competent authorities, the Department of Competition and Award shall cooperate with relevant departments under the Ministry's Office to announce the award decision on the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s website.

Article 24. Time for Submitting Documents for Proposing Awards

1. Regular Awards and Annual Awards

a) For commendation titles and award forms within the authority of the Minister:

- Units under the Ministry's agencies (excluding training units): Latest by January 31 each year (based on postmark); Specifically, the General Statistics Office first round latest by December 31 each year.

- Units under Departments and Management Boards: Latest by February 28 each year (based on postmark);

- Training units (Academies, Schools): Latest by August 15 each year (based on postmark).

b) For the title of "National Outstanding Competitor" and "Flag of Government Competition": Latest by January 31 each year (based on postmark); Training units: Latest by August 15 each year (based on postmark); Specifically, the General Statistics Office first round latest by December 31 each year.

c) For Orders, Medals, and Certificates of Merit of the Prime Minister: First round latest by February 28, second round latest by August 30 each year (based on postmark). Specifically, training units: Latest by August 15 each year (based on postmark).

d) For titles of "Hero of Labor," "People's Teacher," "Excellent Teacher," "Ho Chi Minh Prize," "State Prize": Implemented according to the Law on Competition and Award, Decree No. 121/2005/ND-CP dated September 30, 2005 of the Government, and other documents of competent state agencies.

đ) For commendation titles and award forms within the authority of heads of units: Assigned by heads of units.

2. Immediate Awards and Thematic Awards: submit documents latest fifteen days after achieving outstanding results or after completing thematic work. Specifically, for comprehensive surveys, submit documents latest ninety days after the end of the five-year cycle survey, one hundred eighty days after the end of the ten-year cycle survey.

Article 25. Procedure for Proposing Awards

After receiving the dossier for proposing awards or endorsing awards, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall be responsible for appraising the titles of mobilization and forms of reward according to the current regulations of the State and the Ministry of Planning and Investment, compiling and submitting them to the Mobilization and Reward Council for consideration and decision-making or seeking opinions from members of the Council in writing.

The procedure for proposing awards for specific subjects is as follows:

1. For the form of award: Golden Star Order, Ho Chi Minh Order, and Hero of Labor title, National Model Worker title, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall appraise the dossier, compile and submit it to the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Ministry for examination, then report to the Party Cadre and Civil Servant Committee and the Minister for submission to the Prime Minister and the President for decision-making.

2. For the examination and presentation of mobilization titles and forms of reward for individuals and units under the Ministry, the heads of agencies and units shall prepare a proposal for submission to the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Ministry for examination and opinion. Based on the results of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Ministry's meeting, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall compile and prepare a proposal and list for the Minister to decide on rewards within his authority or submit to the Minister for signature and request the Prime Minister and the President to examine and decide (through the Central Mobilization and Reward Board) for higher forms of reward.

3. For the Flag of Mobilization of the Ministry and the Certificate of Merit of the Minister for individuals and units under Departments and Management Boards: the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall appraise and submit to the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Ministry for opinion before submitting to the Minister for decision.

4. For the Certificate of Merit of the Minister for individuals and units under enterprises with foreign investment capital and enterprises investing abroad:

The Department of Mobilization and Reward shall appraise and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to submit to the Chairman of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Ministry for examination and decision.

5. For rewarding individuals and units outside the Sector: the head of the agency or unit directly related shall prepare a proposal (attached with a list and performance report) for submission to the Ministry of Planning and Investment for reward, sent to the Department of Mobilization and Reward for appraisal, submitted to the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Ministry for examination and submitted to the Minister for decision.

6. For dossiers that do not meet standards or are not in accordance with regulations, after examination (within 10 working days), the Department of Mobilization and Reward will issue a notification and return the dossier to the proposing unit for supplementation and completion in accordance with regulations.

7. The Department of Mobilization and Reward shall be responsible for proposing mobilization titles and forms of reward for officials of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, submitting to the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Ministry for examination to provide advisory opinions and submit to the Minister for decision.

Article 26. Management and Archiving of Award Dossiers

- Management at the Ministry of Planning and Investment: The Department of Mobilization and Reward shall be responsible for managing dossiers for proposing mobilization titles and forms of reward within the authority of the Minister, national-level mobilization titles and forms of reward; compiling and submitting dossiers for archiving according to current regulations.

- Management at Units: Units shall be responsible for organizing management and archiving all dossiers related to mobilization and reward work of their units.

- Encouraging agencies and units to apply information technology in the management and archiving of mobilization and reward dossiers at various levels.

Chapter VI

MOBILIZATION AND REWARD COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS

Article 27. The Commendation and Award Councils at all levels within the Planning and Investment Sector.

1. Establish the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Commendation and Award Council to direct commendation and award activities within the Planning and Investment Sector.

2. Establish Commendation and Award Councils at agencies and units under the Ministry (for units with organizational departments) to direct commendation and award activities within their respective agencies and units.

Article 28. Authority to Decide on Establishment and Composition of Commendation and Award Councils at All Levels Within the Planning and Investment Sector.

1. The Minister decides on the establishment and appoints the composition of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Commendation and Award Council.

2. The head of the agency or unit decides on the establishment and appoints the composition of the Commendation and Award Council of their respective agency or unit.

Article 29. Principles of Operation, Tasks, and Authorities of Commendation and Award Councils at All Levels.

- Commendation and Award Councils at all levels have the function of advising the heads of agencies and units at the same level regarding commendation and award work, operating according to the principle of democratic centralism and majority voting. In cases where the opinions of the members of the Commendation and Award Council are evenly divided, the opinion of the Chairman of the Council shall be decisive.

- The principles of operation, specific tasks, and authorities of the Ministry's Commendation and Award Council are implemented in accordance with the regulations on organization and operation of the Council established by the Minister and the Chairman of the Commendation and Award Council.

- The principles of operation, specific tasks, and authorities of the unit's Commendation and Award Council are stipulated by the heads of the units.

Chapter VII

THE COMMENDATION AND AWARD FUND

Article 30. Sources and Amounts for the Fund.

1. Annually, the Office of the Ministry of Planning and Investment is responsible for allocating funds to serve the commendation and award work of the Ministry in accordance with Clause 1, Article 66 of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005 of the Government; Circular No. 73/2006/TT-BTC dated August 15, 2006 of the Ministry of Finance guiding the establishment, management, and use of the Commendation and Award Fund.

2. The Ministry of Planning and Investment encourages individuals and groups both within and outside the sector to support and contribute to supplementing the annual Commendation and Award Fund of the Ministry.

Article 31. Management and Use of the Commendation and Award Fund.

1. The Commendation and Award Fund of the Ministry of Planning and Investment:

a) The Department of Commendation and Award takes the lead and coordinates with the Office of the Ministry of Planning and Investment to manage and use the entire Commendation and Award Fund of the Ministry.

b) The Commendation and Award Fund of the Ministry of Planning and Investment is used:

- To pay cash rewards or purchase tangible gifts for the following recipients:

+ Individuals and groups under the Ministry who are commended by the President of the State or the Prime Minister;

+ Individuals and groups who are commended by the Minister within his/her authority.

- To allocate 20% of the Ministry's Commendation and Award Fund for organizing mass campaigns initiated by the Minister and other activities serving commendation and award work (printing certificates, awards, medals, commemorative badges, emblems, flags, and frames for awards).

2. The Commendation and Award Fund of the unit (as specified in Clause 5, Article 20 of the Circular guiding): is managed and used by the units in accordance with Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP; Circular No. 73/2006/TT-BTC dated August 15, 2006 of the Ministry of Finance, specifically:

a) To pay cash rewards or purchase tangible gifts for the following recipients:

- Individuals and groups under the unit who are commended by the President of the State, the Prime Minister, or the Minister of Planning and Investment;

- Individuals and groups who are commended by the head of the agency or unit within his/her authority.

b) For organizing mass campaigns and other activities serving commendation and award work.

3. Specific amounts of cash rewards accompanying commendation titles and forms of commendation are implemented in accordance with Articles 69 to 74 of Decree No. 121/2005/NĐ-CP dated September 30, 2005 of the Government and related guiding documents.

Article 32. Principles for Award Distribution

1. At the same time, for the same achievement, and the same recipient, if they achieve different commendation titles and forms of commendation, they will only receive cash rewards (or accompanying gifts) for the highest level of commendation title and form of commendation. If a recipient achieves multiple commendation titles at different times within the same period, they can receive cash rewards for each title.

2. The allocation of funds to support the annual organization of mass campaigns is proposed by the Standing Committee of the Commendation and Award Council and decided upon by the Chairman of the Ministry's Commendation and Award Council.

Chapter VIII

INSPECTION, VIOLATION HANDLING, COMPLAINT AND ACCUSATION RESOLUTION

Article 33. Inspection of Competition and Reward Work

1. The Department of Competition and Rewards of the Ministry shall be responsible for assisting the Minister of Planning and Investment in inspecting competition and reward work at agencies and units under the Ministry; Departments; Management Boards; Provincial Statistics Bureaus directly under the Central Government.

2. Heads of agencies and units shall be responsible for inspecting competition and reward work at their managed agencies and units.

3. Leaders of Groups, Clusters, and Regions shall be responsible for inspecting competition movements according to signed Competition Agreements.

Article 34. Responsibilities in Declaration and Confirmation of Achievements

1. Individual responsibility: Individuals proposed for rewards shall be responsible for the accuracy of declarations and reports on achievements submitted for consideration for rewards at various levels.

2. Responsibility of Heads of Units: Shall be responsible for reviewing and verifying files and reports on achievements and the accuracy of such files and reports proposed for consideration for rewards for their unit's collective bodies and individuals before submitting them to higher authorities.

Article 35. Handling Violations and Resolving Complaints and Accusations

1. Individuals or groups who deceive in declaring achievements to obtain rewards shall have their reward decisions revoked, and any awarded items and monetary rewards shall be reclaimed; depending on the nature and severity of the violation, they may face disciplinary action, administrative penalties, or criminal liability pursuit; if damage is caused, compensation must be provided according to regulations.

2. Heads of agencies and organizations that confirm false information or forge files for others to propose rewards shall be subject to legal handling based on the nature and severity of the violation; if damage is caused, compensation must be provided according to regulations.

3. Resolution of complaints and accusations regarding competition and reward work shall be carried out in accordance with Article 98 of the Law on Competition and Rewards and the Law on Complaints and Accusations, and the implementing regulations thereof.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 36. Reporting on Competition and Reward Work

1. Annually, Groups, Clusters, Regions, units under the Ministry, Departments, and Management Boards of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall conduct summaries and evaluations of competition and reward work, review and award rewards, and submit reports to the Department of Competition and Rewards.

2. When launching competitions and after each competition period, units under the Ministry, Departments, and Management Boards of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall be responsible for submitting reports to the Department of Competition and Rewards for monitoring and as a basis for awarding rewards.

Article 37. Implementation

1. The Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Competition and Reward Council shall direct the implementation of this Circular.

2. Based on the contents of this Circular, the Department of Competition and Rewards shall urge, monitor, and inspect the implementation of this Circular throughout the sector. Regularly report the results of the implementation of this Circular to the Chairman of the Ministry’s Competition and Reward Council.

3. The General Statistics Office, heads of agencies and units under the Ministry, Groups, Clusters, Regions, Departments, and Management Boards shall organize the implementation of this Circular, establish regulations, and concretize standards suitable for the operational situation and specific characteristics of the industry, agency, or unit.

Article 38. Effective Date

This Circular shall take effect 45 days from the date of signing and replace previous issued documents.

During the implementation of this Circular, if there are difficulties or inconsistencies discovered, heads of agencies and units under the Ministry, Directors of Planning and Investment Departments, and Heads of Industrial Park, Export Processing Zone, and Economic Zone Management Boards shall promptly reflect these issues to the Ministry of Planning and Investment for reporting to the Minister for consideration, revision, and supplementation./.