Circular No. 13/2015/TT-BTTTT guiding the work of competition and commendation in the Information and Communications sector

CIRCULAR

GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITION AND RECOGNITION WORK in the telecommunications sector Tinformation and Ttruyền thông

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Pursuant to the Law on Encouragement and Reward dated November 26, 2003 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward dated June 14, 2005, and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward dated November 16, 2013;

Pursuant to Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward; Decree No. 39/2012/ND-CP dated April 27, 2012 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP; Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP dated July 1, 2014 of the Government detailing the implementation of the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Encouragement and Reward in 2013;

Based on Decree No. 132/2013/ND-CP dated October 16, 2013 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Department of Competition and Reward;

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

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides the encouragement and reward work in the Information and Communications sector, including: the content and forms of organizing competitions; standards and subjects for considering the awarding of commendation titles; standards and subjects for considering the awarding of reward forms; authority to decide, procedures, and files for proposing the awarding of commendation titles and reward forms; organization of machinery for encouragement and reward work and the Encouragement and Reward Fund.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to individuals and organizations of Vietnamese nationality, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign individuals and organizations involved in activities related to the Information and Communications sector.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

1. Upper-level grassroots collectives: agencies and units with many member units having legal personality, 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 under centrally governed cities; member units under upper-level grassroots collectives.

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

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 criteria for awarding commendation titles are implemented according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 6; Clause 1, Article 10 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward; Article 3 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP of the Government, specifically as follows:

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

2. The consideration for awarding commendation titles must be based on the competition movement; all individuals and collectives participating in the competition movement must register for competition, set goals, and competition indicators; individuals and collectives not registering for competition will not be considered for commendation 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: appointed to positions of civil servants, public officials; workers who have signed labor contracts with a term of one year or more with the head of the grassroots unit; these individuals must have worked for at least ten months in the year of commendation;

Female individuals on maternity leave according to the state regulations and those who have performed brave acts to save people or property, or those serving in combat due to injuries requiring medical treatment and rehabilitation according to the conclusion of health authorities, their leave time will still be counted towards consideration for commendation titles;

Individuals attending short-term training or supplementary education for less than one year, if achieving results from good or better, complying well with the rules of the training institution, can combine their working period at the agency or unit to assess for commendation titles;

In cases of attending training for one year or more, achieving satisfactory academic results, that year is equivalent to the title "Advanced Worker" to serve as the basis for considering commendation titles and other forms of rewards;

For individuals transferred to new positions, the new unit is responsible for assessing and voting for commendation titles based on the comments from the previous unit (in cases where they have worked at 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 principles and grounds for considering awards are implemented according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 6; Clause 2, Article 10 of the Law on Competition and Rewards; Article 4 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government; Article 2 of Decree No. 65/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2014 of the Government; Article 1 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV dated August 29, 2014 of the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding the implementation of certain articles of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010, Decree No. 39/NĐ-CP dated April 27, 2012 of the Government, and Decree No. 65/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2014 of the Government, specifically as follows:

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

2. Awards shall be based on achievements and standards, ensuring that the level of achievement corresponds to the level of reward. Achievements with wide-ranging impact or achieved under difficult conditions shall be considered for higher-level awards; it is not necessary to follow a sequence starting from lower-level awards before moving to higher-level ones, and subsequent awards must necessarily be higher than previous ones.

3. Emphasis shall be placed on rewarding individuals and small groups, achievements in key tasks and sudden assignments during specific periods; particular attention shall be given to rewarding workers, direct producers, and individuals with significant creativity in their work.

4. When considering awards for heads of agencies, organizations, or units, the achievements of the collective led by such individual shall be taken into account.

5. For female leaders and managers, the period of service required for consideration of awards may be reduced by three years compared to the general requirement.

In cases of awarding achievements in economic and social tasks, when multiple individuals or collectives meet the criteria, preference shall be given to selecting women and collectives with at least 70% female members for awards.

6. The time for calculating the next award shall be counted from the date of the previous award decision.

7. For individuals, only one national award title or form of recognition may be proposed in a year, except in cases of outstanding and sudden achievements.

8. The Ministry of Information and Communications shall only award to collectives and individuals under provincial management when launching competitions in specific fields or for outstanding and sudden achievements.

9. The results of awards for sudden and specialized achievements shall be considered as additional factors when evaluating annual comprehensive achievements and phase achievements.

10. A single form of award may be granted multiple times to the same recipient; however, multiple forms of awards shall not be given for a single achievement.

11. Spiritual awards shall be combined with material awards.

12. Awards at each level shall be decided by the head of the agency or unit at that level upon the recommendation of the Competition and Reward Council at the same level.

13. No monetary awards shall be given; instead, commemorative gifts corresponding to the value of the monetary awards shall be presented to foreign organizations and individuals along with the titles and forms of recognition.

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 competition movements, expand competition movements within their management scope. Organize mid-term reviews, final summaries of competition movements, and identify and select individuals and groups with outstanding achievements for rewards or propose to competent authorities to grant rewards according to regulations.

đ) Coordinate with information and press agencies to implement propaganda and dissemination activities: Law on Competition and Reward, guiding documents for the implementation of the Law on Competition and Reward issued by the Government; Circulars and guiding documents for the implementation of the work of competition and reward issued by the Ministry; competition movements initiated by the Ministry and agencies operating in the field of information and communication. Timely publicize exemplary models, good people and deeds, promote competition movements and reward work.

e) Provide information as required by the Department of Competition and Reward about the results of activities, implementation of Party policies and State laws for cases proposed for rewards to serve the assessment of achievements and accurate reward consideration.

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 is the advisory body to the Head of the unit at the same level regarding the work of competition and reward. Competition and Reward Councils are established from the grassroots unit level upwards, decided by the Head of the unit at the same level, defining functions, tasks, working regulations, and the relationship of work with the specialized unit responsible for the work of competition and reward at the same level.

b) At which level the Council is chaired by the Head of that level, the Chairman of the Trade Union serves as Vice-Chairman, the Head of the specialized unit or the staff member responsible for the work of competition and reward serves as a Standing Member; members of the Council include representatives of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (if any) and staff members responsible for key areas of the unit.

c) The Competition and Reward Councils at all levels have the following duties and powers:

- Advise the Head to launch competition movements within their authority;

- Regularly evaluate the results of competition movements and reward work; advise on mid-term reviews and final summaries of competition and reward work; propose initiatives and measures to promote patriotic competition movements each year and during each phase;

- Advise the Head of the unit to inspect and supervise competition movements and the implementation of policies and laws on competition and reward;

- Advise the Head of the unit to decide on awarding commendation titles and reward forms within their authority or submit to competent authorities for rewards.

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

a) At the Ministry level: The Department of Competition and Reward is the specialized unit and the permanent body of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Information and Communications. The tasks of the Department of Competition and Reward are implemented according to Article 2 of Decision No. 1456/QĐ-BTTTT dated October 8, 2014 of the Minister of Information and Communications on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Department of Competition and Reward.

b) At the grassroots unit level: based on the organizational structure, requirements, and tasks of competition and reward work of each unit, the Head of the unit considers and decides on the specialized unit being a Department or Section or arranging staff to handle competition and reward work of the unit. Specialized units responsible for competition and reward work at all levels have the following tasks:

- Advise the Heads of agencies and units and the Competition and Reward Councils at the same level to concretize the policies and laws of the Party and the State on competition and reward work within their management scope;

- Perform the function as the permanent body of the Competition and Reward Council at the same level;

- Develop programs, plans, competition and reward contents for each period and each field to achieve the set goals and tasks of the Ministry and the grassroots level;

- Assist the Heads of agencies and units to organize competition movements, mid-term reviews, final summaries, identify exemplary models, distill and disseminate experiences, expand competition movements and exemplary models; propose innovations in competition and reward work;

- Review files, achievements, and propose reward forms accurately and promptly according to legal provisions;

- Propagate, disseminate, guide the organization to inspect and urge subordinate units to implement competition and reward work;

- Inspect the implementation of reward policy regulations; participate in resolving complaints and denunciations related to competition and reward 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 agencies and units shall launch and direct competition movements within their respective 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 competition movements

The forms of organizing competition movements shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP and Article 2 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, specifically as follows:

1. Regular competition is organized and implemented throughout the working year to achieve set goals, targets, and work programs. Regular competition applies between individuals within a collective, collectives within the same agency or unit, or among agencies and units with similar functions, tasks, and job characteristics (competition by field). Regular competition must clearly define its purpose, requirements, objectives, specific indicators, and be organized into competition groups or clusters to sign competition agreements; implement registration of competition between individuals and collectives. At the end of the working year, the head of the agency or unit shall launch a competition movement to conduct a summary and evaluate competition titles.

Regular competition must clearly define its purpose, requirements, objectives, specific indicators, and be organized into competition groups or clusters to sign competition agreements; implement registration of competition between individuals and collectives. At the end of the working year, the head of the agency or unit shall launch a competition movement to conduct a summary and evaluate competition titles.

2. Competition in phases is organized to celebrate significant anniversaries during the year or to complete urgent and specialized tasks that are difficult and complex, and to address weak points during specific periods and times (special topic competition).

Awards in phase-based (or special topic) competition movements are only conducted when summarizing and concluding the competition movement; mainly applying award forms at the grassroots and ministry levels. In cases where the phase or special topic competition organized by the Ministry lasts three years or more, outstanding and exemplary individuals and collectives will be selected to present to the Prime Minister for the "Prime Minister's Commendation"; for five years or more, outstanding and exemplary individuals and collectives will be selected to present to the President for the "Labor Medal, Third Class".

3. The organization of competition movements and the assessment of awards based on phases, special topics, or fields organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications will be specified in separate documents.

4. National-level commendations such as "Prime Minister's Commendation" and "Medals" shall not be presented to collectives or individuals upon summarizing and concluding the implementation of laws, ordinances, decrees, or services for conferences, seminars, forums.

Article 10. Content of organizing competition movements

The content of organizing competition movements shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP and Article 3 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, specifically as follows:

1. Clearly define the purpose, requirements, objectives, scope, and target audience of the competition, and propose specific indicators and competition contents based on this. The determination of competition content and indicators must ensure scientificity, practicality, and feasibility.

2. Competition movements should have memorable themes and names that are easy to promote and implement; closely align with political tasks, key and urgent tasks to propose specific, practical, and suitable competition contents and methods for the conditions and participation capabilities of agencies, organizations, units, and individuals.

3. Based on the characteristics, nature of work, occupational labor, scope, and target audience of the competition, appropriate forms of launching competitions should be established, diversifying competition launch forms; opposing all ostentatious and formalistic behaviors in competitions.

4. Based on the content and indicators of the competition movement, establish evaluation criteria that fit reality and serve as the basis for evaluating and rewarding in periodic summaries and conclusions.

5. Implement measures to organize mobilization for competition, monitor, urge, guide, and inspect the implementation of the competition movement. Organize pilot guidance to draw lessons and disseminate good experiences among participants in the competition.

6. Organize summaries, evaluations, and assessments of the results of the competition movement; select and reward outstanding and exemplary individuals and collectives in the competition movement.

7. Enhance the responsibility and role of leaders in identifying, building, nurturing, promoting, and expanding exemplary models, new factors, and effective practices in the competition movement. Identifying exemplary models is a key task in organizing competition movements.

Article 11. Competition Groups and Clusters

1. Competition Groups and Clusters under the Ministry:

a) Based on the position, functions, tasks, nature of work, and scope of operation of agencies, units, and enterprises within the entire sector, the Minister decides to organize competitions according to Competition Groups and Clusters.

b) Competition Groups and Clusters have Group Leaders, Deputy Group Leaders, Cluster Leaders, and Deputy Cluster Leaders appointed by the Minister, who are responsible to the Minister for the assigned tasks.

c) Tasks and authorities of Competition Groups and Clusters:

- Building programs and plans to organize activities aimed at promoting competition movements among agencies and units within the Group and Cluster;

- On the basis of assigned political tasks and annual directions for competition and reward work of the Ministry, organizing the establishment of competition criteria and scoring scales suitable for the characteristics and actual conditions of each agency and unit within the Group and Cluster;

- Organizing the signing of competition agreements between member agencies and units within the Group and Cluster; organizing the expansion of exemplary models, new factors, and good experiences of collectives and individuals for other agencies and units within the Group and Cluster to emulate and learn from;

- Organizing cross-checking of competition movements among member agencies and units within the Group and Cluster;

- Summarizing and building reports on the mid-term and final reviews of the competition movement of the Group and Cluster; organizing review meetings; selecting outstanding agencies and units within the Group and Cluster to propose rewards to the Minister of Information and Communications;

2. Competition Groups and Clusters at the grassroots level: based on the position, functions, tasks, nature of work, and scope of operation of subordinate units, heads of agencies, units, and enterprises decide to organize competitions according to Competition Groups and Clusters. The Ministry of Information and Communications will only consider rewarding competition titles to subordinate units of agencies, units, and enterprises when the proposing unit has organized competitions among its subordinate units according to Competition Groups and Clusters.

Article 12. Signing Competition Agreements and Registering Competition Titles

1. Annually, grassroots-level and basic-level collectives are responsible for organizing individual and collective subordinates to register for competition and strive to achieve competition titles; compiling the registration report and sending it to the Ministry (through the Department of Competition and Reward) before February 15 each year.

2. Group Leaders and Cluster Leaders of Competition Groups and Clusters organize the signing of competition agreements between agencies and units within the Group and Cluster and send the signed competition agreement to the Ministry (through the Department of Competition and Reward) within the time limit specified in the Regulation on Organizing Competition Groups and Clusters.

3. The Department of Competition and Reward is responsible for compiling competition agreements and registrations with the Ministry for monitoring and serving as the basis for recommending the awarding of competition titles at the Ministry level.

4. For agencies and units that launch competition movements with registration for rewards at the Ministry level or higher, they must report and obtain written approval from the Ministry of Information and Communications before launching these competition movements.

Article 13. Competition Titles

1. Competition titles for individuals include:

a) "Advanced Worker";

b) "Grassroots Labor Medalist";

c) "Ministry of Information and Communications Labor Medalist";

d) "National Labor Medalist".

2. Competition titles for collectives:

a) "Advanced Collective";

b) "Excellent Collective";

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

d) "Flag of the Government".

Chapter III

ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA FOR AWARDS OF COMPETITION TITLES

Article 14. The title "Advanced Laborer"

The title "Advanced Laborer" shall be awarded annually to individuals belonging to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry who meet 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 15. The title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level"

1. The title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" shall be awarded annually to individuals belonging to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry who meet the following criteria:

a) Being a "Pioneering Worker";

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

Technical improvements, work solutions, research topics, or application of new technologies must be recognized by the grassroots-level Technical Improvement Review Board. The Technical Improvement Review Board at the grassroots level shall be established by the agency or unit head authorized to confer the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level". The board members should have professional management and technical qualifications, capable of evaluating and appraising technical improvements or solutions and research topics in management and task implementation within the agency or unit.

Criteria for technical proposals or application of technical proposals:

- Proposing measures for administrative reform recognized and applied by the agency or unit head;

- Actively participating in researching and building policy mechanisms that yield high effectiveness and significant contributions to state administration and business production;

- Actively participating in scientific and technological research projects, management science research projects that have been accepted and yielded specific results;

- Proposing or applying new work procedures into daily operations, accepted and applied by the agency or unit head;

- Proposing or applying technical improvements in service work, accepted and applied by the agency or unit head.

Clause 2. The ratio of individuals recognized with the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" shall not exceed 15% of the total number of individuals achieving the title "Advanced Worker."

Article 16. The title "Model Worker of the Ministry of Information and Communications"

The title "Model Worker of the Ministry of Information and Communications" shall be awarded annually to individuals belonging to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry who meet the following criteria:

1. Having outstanding achievements among those who have continuously received the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" three times consecutively prior to the award recommendation period and during this period, at least once receiving 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 17. The title "National Model Worker"

1. The title "National Model Worker" shall be awarded to individuals belonging to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry who have the most outstanding achievements selected from those who have continuously received the title "Model Worker of the Ministry of Information and Communications" two times consecutively.

2. Technical proposals and research topics serving as the basis for awarding the title "National Model Worker" must achieve high effectiveness and have nationwide influence.

3. The Ministry of Information and Communications' Science Council shall assist the Minister in reviewing, recognizing, and assessing the impact of technical proposals and research topics.

4. Each grassroots unit may only select no more than one individual annually to recommend for the title "National Model Worker". The Ministry of Information and Communications will select the most outstanding individuals in each profession, field, and area of activity to recommend for the title "National Model Worker".

5. The time for recommending the title "National Model Worker" is the year immediately following the second consecutive year of receiving the title "Model Worker of the Ministry of Information and Communications".

Article 18. The title "Advanced Labor Collective"

The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry; departments, divisions, and equivalent bodies directly under agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry 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 within the unit achieving the title of Advanced Worker and the unit having no person disciplined with a warning or higher;

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

Article 19. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective"

The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry; departments, divisions, and equivalent bodies directly under agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry 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 within the collective completing assigned tasks, with at least 70% of them achieving the "Advanced Worker" title;

4. Having individuals who achieve the "Grassroots Model Worker" title and no individuals being disciplined with warnings or higher penalties;

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

Article 20. The Flag of Encouragement of the Ministry of Information and Communications

1. The Flag of Encouragement of the Ministry of Information and Communications shall be awarded annually to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry; departments, divisions, and equivalent bodies directly under agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry that meet the following criteria:

a) Exceeding all comprehensive targets set out in the assigned work plans and programs, achieving high productivity, quality, and efficiency;

b) Having new factors and models for other collectives in the industry to emulate; the unit being outstandingly excellent and selected for commendation and admiration by competition groups and clusters;

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

2. The Flag of Encouragement of the Ministry of Information and Communications for achievements in thematic or sectoral competitive movements initiated by the Ministry: shall be awarded after summarizing the thematic or sectoral competitive movement; the Ministry will present the Flag of Encouragement to leading collectives in the competitive movement. Regarding the objects and criteria for awarding, the Ministry will issue separate documents according to each theme or sector.

Article 21. The Flag of Encouragement of the Government

The Flag of Encouragement of the Government shall be awarded annually to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry; departments, divisions, and equivalent bodies directly under agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry that meet one of the following criteria:

1. The most outstanding collectives among those meeting the criteria for the Flag of Encouragement of the Ministry of Information and Communications;

2. The most outstanding collectives in thematic competitive movements initiated by the President or Prime Minister, evaluated during mid-term and final reviews lasting five years or more;

3. The number of collectives proposed for the Flag of Encouragement of the Government shall not exceed 20% of the total number of collectives meeting the criteria for the Flag of Encouragement of the Ministry of Information and Communications. Collectives receiving the Flag of Encouragement of the Government are the most outstanding in their respective fields, industries, professions, and have significant influence as role models nationwide.

Chapter IV

FORMS AND OBJECTS, CRITERIA FOR REWARDS

Article 22. Forms and Objects, Criteria for National Rewards

National rewards include: "Golden Star Order"; "Ho Chi Minh Order"; "Independence Order, First Class, Second Class, Third Class"; "Labor Order, First Class, Second Class, Third Class"; "Resistance Order and Medal"; "Friendship Order and Medal"; Honorary Titles of the State: "Hero of Labor", "Hero of People's Armed Forces", "People's Teacher", "People's Doctor", "People's Artist", "Outstanding Teacher", "Outstanding Doctor", "Outstanding Artist"; "Ho Chi Minh Prize"; "State Prize" and "Prime Minister's Commendation" implemented according to Chapter III of the Law on Competition and Reward; from Article 7 to Article 23 of Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP and from Article 10 to Article 14 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Article 23. Forms and criteria for commendation awards of the Ministry of Information and Communications

1. "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Information and Communications" for comprehensive achievements:

a) Awarded to individuals belonging to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry who set good examples in implementing Party guidelines and State policies, have excelled in their duties for two consecutive years, during which time they have had two recognized and effectively applied initiatives within the grassroots level.

b) Awarded to agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry; departments, divisions, and equivalent bodies under agencies, units, enterprises under the Ministry, who have excelled in their duties for two consecutive years, maintain internal unity, implement democratic regulations well at the grassroots level, organize effective competitive movements; care for the material and spiritual lives of members in the collective; practice thrift; fully implement all systems and policies for all members of the collective.

2. "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Information and Communications" for outstanding achievements in competitive movements initiated by the Ministry according to specific themes or fields: awarded upon summarizing the competitive movement according to specific themes or fields; the Ministry will award Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals with outstanding and exemplary achievements in the competitive movement. Regarding the criteria for awarding, the Ministry will issue separate documents according to each theme or field.

3. "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Information and Communications" for sudden outstanding achievements: awarded to collectives and individuals who win high prizes in national or international contests, reunions, exhibitions in the field of state management of the Ministry, who have innovative ideas, inventions, patents, applications of advanced science, technology, and technology that bring high efficiency or who achieve many outstanding achievements with wide influence, serving as role models for learning in the industry.

4. "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Information and Communications" for long-term contributions to the construction and development of the Information and Communications industry in Vietnam: awarded to collectives on the occasion of celebrating the traditional day of the agency or unit every even-numbered year.

5. The Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Information and Communications": this is a form of commendation 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 the Commemorative Medal is carried out according to the Regulation issued together with Decision No. 480/QĐ-BTTTT dated April 15, 2009 of the Minister of Information and Communications.

6. "Memorial Banner": The Ministry of Information and Communications presents a "Memorial Banner" to recognize the achievements in building and developing for collectives that have steadily developed for five years or more; the content of the "Memorial Banner" is proposed by the grassroots unit and reviewed by the Department of Competitions and Awards before being submitted to the Minister for decision.

Article 24. "Letter of Commendation" of the Head of the Agency or Unit

1. "Letter of Commendation" 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. "Letter of Commendation" to be awarded to collectives 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 presentation of "Letters of Commendation" is conducted regularly to promptly encourage individuals and collectives immediately after they have excellently completed assigned tasks.

Chapter V

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS

Article 25. Authority to decide on awards

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, units, and enterprises under the Ministry; authorizing the head of the superior unit to decide on awarding the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" to subordinate collectives;

c) The title "Excellence Medalist of the Ministry of Information and Communications" for individuals belonging to agencies, units, and enterprises under the Ministry;

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

đ) "Certificate of Merit from the Minister";

e) "Commemorative Plaque";

g) The titles "Advanced Worker", "Excellence Medalist at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Labor Collective", and the form of reward "Certificate of Commendation" for collectives and individuals of 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) The form of reward "Certificate of Commendation".

3. Authority to decide on awards for excellence titles: "Flag of Excellence of the Government", "National Excellence Medalist"; forms of reward: "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", "Order", "Medal", "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award", "State Honorary Title" shall be implemented according to the provisions of Articles 77 and 78 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

Article 26. Organization of Presentation and Acceptance

1. Responsibility for organizing presentation: The head of the superior unit, the grassroots level, or the Organizing Committee of specialized conferences shall organize the ceremony of presentation for all excellence 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, this will be submitted to the Department of Encouragement and Reward for decision by the Minister.

2. Rituals for organizing presentation: excellence titles and forms of reward decided by the Prime Minister and the President shall be carried out according to the provisions of Decree No. 145/2013/ND-CP dated October 29, 2013 of the Government on the organization of commemoration days; rituals for presenting and receiving forms of reward and excellence titles; diplomatic ceremonies and reception of foreign guests. Excellence titles and forms of reward decided by the Minister or the head of the grassroots-level unit need to be organized solemnly with motivational and educational effects.

3. Authority to award:

a) Excellence titles and forms of reward decided by the Prime Minister and the President: carried out according to the provisions of Article 81 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward;

b) Excellence titles and forms of reward decided by the Minister: the Minister shall present or authorize others to present;

c) Excellence titles and forms of reward decided by the head of the grassroots-level unit: the head of the unit shall present or authorize others to present.

Chapter VI

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTS FOR REWARD PROPOSALS

Article 27. Procedures for Proposing Rewards

1. The procedures for proposing rewards are carried out according to the principle that the higher level only organizes examination for rewards or proposes rewards to the competent authority when receiving the reward proposal dossier from the directly subordinate level. Overstepping levels in submitting dossiers is not 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. Rewards for achievements in competition movements: the level initiating the competition movement shall be responsible for summarizing, selecting outstanding individuals and collectives for rewards or submitting to a higher level for rewards.

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 proposing rewards for excellence titles and forms of reward within the authority to decide of the Prime Minister and the President, shall be implemented according to Article 53 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government and Article 20 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV dated August 29, 2014 of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Article 28. Procedures for Commendation and Awarding

1. For units with obligations to pay state budget revenues, when submitting commendations and awards such as "Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Information and Communications", "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Information and Communications", "Excellence Soldier of the Ministry of Information and Communications", "Outstanding Labor Collective" and other national-level commendation titles and forms for collectives or individuals who are unit heads, in the report of 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) A commitment to have fully and correctly paid all types of taxes and other revenues according to the law and within the prescribed time limit (confirmed by the competent financial authority, the number of years of tax confirmation corresponding to the number of years in the collective or individual's achievement report. Tax confirmation data includes: confirmation of the actual amount of tax and other revenues paid compared to the registered amount in the year; the percentage of state budget revenue paid compared to the previous year; full and correct payment of all types of taxes and other revenues according to the law and within the prescribed time limit);

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 on awarding or submitting for higher-level approval:

a) "Advanced Worker";

b) "Grassroots Labor Medalist";

c) "Ministry of Information and Communications Labor Medalist";

d) "National Excellent Soldier";

đ) "Advanced Labor Collective";

e) "Outstanding Labor Collective";

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

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

i) National-level commendation titles and forms are specified in Articles 17, 21, and 22 of this Circular.

3. For the award of the Commemorative Medal "For the Information and Communication Cause" and other cases of awarding based on simple procedures stipulated in Article 85 of the Law on Commendation and Awarding, it is not necessary to go through the Ministry's Commendation and Award Council. The unit responsible for specialized work on commendation and awarding has the responsibility to review the files and achievements according to the prescribed standards and directly submit for awarding.

4. In cases proposing commendation titles such as "Advanced Worker", "Excellent Soldier at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Labor Collective", "Outstanding Labor Collective", "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Information and Communications", more than 50% of the members of the Commendation and Award Council must agree.

5. In cases proposing commendation titles such as "Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Information and Communications", "Flag of Excellence of the Government", "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister", "Medal" and "Badge" of various types, more than 70% of the members of the Commendation and Award Council must agree.

6. In cases proposing commendation titles such as "Excellent Soldier of the Ministry of Information and Communications", "National Excellent Soldier", "Heroic Laborer", "Heroic People's Armed Forces", "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher", "People's Doctor", "Outstanding Doctor", "People's Artist", "Outstanding Artist", "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", more than 90% of the members of the Commendation and Award Council must agree.

7. In cases proposing commendation titles such as "National Excellent Soldier", "Heroic Laborer", "Heroic People's Armed Forces", the opinions of all cadres, workers, employees, and people must be solicited on the Ministry's electronic portal. The Department of Commendation and Awarding shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to specify the content and form of soliciting opinions on the Ministry's electronic 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: "Golden Star Medal", "Ho Chi Minh Medal", "Independence Medal" of various classes, titles: "Heroic Laborer", "Heroic People's Armed Forces", "People's Teacher", "People's Doctor", "People's Artist", "National Excellent Soldier".

Article 29. Concurrence in Commendation and Award

1. For Provincial Departments of Information and Communications: When proposing to award the "Ministry of Information and Communications Merit Certificate" or the "Ministry of Information and Communications Flag of Excellence" to a provincial Department of Information and Communications or its Director, the opinion of concurrence from the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed city must be sought.

2. For agencies and units located within provinces or centrally governed cities: When proposing commendations for agency or unit collectives or their heads, the opinion of concurrence from the provincial Department of Information and Communications must be obtained.

3. The Ministry of Information and Communications will provide its opinion of concurrence on national-level commendation proposals when there is a request for such opinion from the Central Steering Committee for Competitions and Commendations, a ministry or sector, or the People's Committee of a province or centrally governed city.

Article 30. Documentation for Proposing Consideration for Awards and Commendations

Documentation for proposing consideration for awards and commendations shall follow the model attached to this Circular and the following regulations:

1. Dossier for proposal to award commendation titles and reward forms at the Ministry level: The rewarding unit submits one set (original), including:

a) Memorandum;

b) List of proposed commendations;

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

d) Report on achievements of individuals and collectives proposed for commendation.

2. Documentation for proposing consideration for awards and commendations by the Government or Prime Minister: the proposing unit submits three sets (originals), each set including:

a) Memorandum;

b) List of proposed commendations;

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

d) Report on achievements of individuals and collectives proposed for commendation.

3. Documentation for proposing commendations for various Orders: the proposing unit submits four sets (originals), each set including:

a) Memorandum;

b) List of proposed commendations;

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

d) Report on achievements of individuals and collectives proposed for commendation.

4. Documentation for proposing consideration for Heroic Model titles: the proposing unit submits four sets (originals), each set 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 for proposing the Heroic Model title by the Competition and Commendation Council at the commendation level.

5. Documentation for proposing commendations for foreign organizations and individuals and Vietnamese individuals residing abroad includes: the proposing unit's submission report and a summary achievement report with confirmation from the commendation level authority.

6. Documentation for proposing commendations for individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements in labor production and work discovered by the head of the organization or unit for commendation includes: a submission report accompanied by a list of proposed commendations and a summary achievement report carried out by the proposing organization or unit.

7. Documentation for proposing commendations for collectives and individuals proposed for commendation for high achievement awards at national and international contests, festivals, exhibitions in the field under the Ministry's management, with innovations, inventions, patents, and applications of scientific and technological progress, and in other fields must include written confirmation from the competent managing authority.

8. Achievement reports for individuals proposed for consideration for the "Ministry of Information and Communications Labor Model", "National Labor Model" titles or for commendations: "Ministry of Information and Communications Merit Certificate", "Prime Minister Merit Certificate", "Order" types; in the achievement report, the content of the topic, innovation, measures in work and management that have practical effectiveness must be clearly stated, along with excerpts of the confirmation opinions of the Science and Innovation Council at the commendation level; if the innovation, measure, or topic has been certified by the competent authority, a copy of the certification document should be submitted instead of the confirmation opinion of the Science and Innovation Council at the commendation level. Additionally, for individuals who are unit heads subject to the obligation to pay state budget, the provisions of Clause 1 of Article 28 of this Circular must be implemented.

9. When submitting to the Minister for commendation consideration or proposing national-level commendation, the commendation proposer must simultaneously send electronic files of the submission documentation (in .doc format for the submission report, list, and collective and individual achievement reports proposed for commendation; in .pdf format for other related documentation) to the Department of Competitions and Commendations.

Article 31. Deadline for Submission of Nomination Files for Awards

1. Awards for Achievements in Annual Competitive Movements:

a) The title "Outstanding Labor Collective": agencies and units shall submit files to the Department of Mobilization and Reward no later than December 5th of the year of awarding;

b) The flag "Government Flag of Competition", "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of Information and Communications":

For agencies and units (excluding enterprises): shall submit files to the Department of Mobilization and Reward no later than December 5th of the year of awarding;

For enterprises: shall submit files to the Department of Mobilization and Reward no later than February 20th of the following year of the year of nomination;

c) The form of award "Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Information and Communications": agencies and units shall submit files to the Department of Mobilization and Reward no later than March 31st of the following year of the year of nomination;

d) For the title: "Model Competitor of the Ministry of Information and Communications", "National Model Competitor"; forms of awards: "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", "Medal" of various types, agencies and units shall submit files to the Department of Mobilization and Reward no later than April 30th of the following year of the year of nomination;

đ) The title "Heroic Laborer", "Heroic People's Armed Forces": shall be organized to review every five years during the National Patriotic Mobilization Congress at all levels, except for cases with particularly outstanding achievements.

2. Awards for Achievements in Special Topics and Fields: agencies and units shall submit files to the Department of Mobilization and Reward immediately after the conclusion of the special topic or field.

3. Awards for Outstanding and Extraordinary Achievements: agencies and units shall submit files to the Department of Mobilization and Reward immediately after individuals or collectives achieve outstanding and extraordinary results.

Article 32. Notification of Award Results

1. Within ten working days from the date of the award decision, the examining agency shall notify the nominating agency if the collective or individual meets the criteria for award.

2. Within ten working days from the date the competent authority notifies the examination agency, the examining agency must inform the nominating agency if the collective or individual does not meet the criteria for award. If the file is not submitted along the correct channel, the examining agency shall notify and return the file to the nominating agency.

Chapter VII

FUND FOR COMPETITION AND REWARD

Article 33. Responsibilities and Principles for Establishing the Mobilization and Reward Fund

1. Annually, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall base on the results of the previous year's Mobilization and Reward Fund; registered titles for mobilization and forms of reward, and anticipated expenses for mobilization and reward activities in the planned year to prepare the budget for the Mobilization and Reward Fund of the Ministry.

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

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

b) Annually, the Department of Planning and Finance shall be responsible for advising the Ministry to allocate funds for mobilization and reward activities in accordance with 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 Mobilization and Reward Fund of the Ministry.

Article 34. Management and use of the Competition and Reward Fund

1. The Department of Competition and Reward shall be responsible for managing and using the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry in accordance with current laws. At the end of the year, any remaining amount in the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry that has not been used shall be carried over to the next year for continued use in competition and reward activities.

2. The Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry shall be used for the following competition and reward activities:

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 of Merit, Commendation Certificates of the Minister of Information and Communications, Memorial Plaques for the Information and Communications Industry, Flags of Excellence of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Medals of Outstanding Competitors of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Memorials and other activities related to competition and reward.

3. The Competition and Reward Fund of units: shall be managed and used by the units to organize competition movements, purchase tangible reward items, award money or gifts accompanying commendation titles and forms of rewards to subordinate units and individuals, and serve other activities related to competition and reward of the unit.

4. Money awards accompanying commendation titles and forms of rewards:

a) At the same time, for the same achievement, if an individual receives multiple commendation titles with different monetary awards, they shall receive the highest monetary award;

b) At the same time, if an individual achieves multiple commendation titles at different times, they shall receive the monetary awards corresponding to each title;

c) At the same time, if an individual achieves both a commendation title and a form of reward, they shall receive the monetary award for the title and the form of reward;

d) The calculation method and amounts of monetary awards accompanying commendation titles and forms of rewards shall be implemented according to Articles 70 to 76 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP and other relevant regulatory legal documents.

5. It is strictly prohibited to use the Competition and Reward Fund for other purposes.

Chapter VIII

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF REWARDED GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS

INDIVIDUALS ENTITLED TO REWARD

Article 35. Rights of rewarded individuals and groups

1. Individuals shall receive tangible items accompanying the reward decision (Certificates, Medals, Badges, Commendation Certificates, Memorial Plaques, Orders) and a sum of money or commemorative gifts as prescribed; have the right to retain, display, and use the tangible reward items; be considered for early salary increase, priority in being sent for training and professional development both domestically and abroad according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs and other guiding documents of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

2. Groups shall receive tangible items accompanying the reward decision (Certificates, Medals, Badges, Commendation Certificates, Memorial Plaques, Orders) and a sum of money or commemorative gifts as prescribed; have the right to retain, display, and use symbols of the forms of reward on official documents and materials of the unit.

Article 36. Responsibilities of individuals and collectives receiving awards

Individuals and collectives receiving awards are responsible for preserving the award items; if lost, they will not be reissued except in special cases. They shall not lend them to others for the purpose of committing acts that violate the law.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 37. Implementation

1. The Ministry of Information and Communications' Competition and Award Council; the Heads of Competition and Award Groups; the Heads of agencies and units operating in the field of information and communication shall be responsible for disseminating, organizing, and implementing this Circular. Annually, they shall conduct a summary and evaluation of competition and award activities and submit reports to the Ministry (through the Department of Competition and Award) before December 15 for consolidation and reporting on the implementation of this Circular to the Chairman of the Ministry of Information and Communications' Competition and Award Council.

2. The Department of Competition and Award shall be responsible for urging, monitoring, and inspecting the implementation of this Circular throughout the industry.

Article 38. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from July 25, 2015, and replaces Circular No. 05/2013/TT-BTTTT dated March 5, 2013, issued by the Ministry of Information and Communication guiding competition and award activities in the information and communication sector.

During the implementation of this Circular, if there are difficulties or issues arising that are not appropriate, the Heads of agencies, units, and enterprises in the information and communication sector shall reflect these to the Department of Competition and Award for consolidation and reporting to the Minister for consideration and decision./.