Circular No. 14/2015/TT-BTP guiding the work of competition and commendation in the Justice sector

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Judicial Sector

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Based on the Law on Encouragement and Reward dated November 26, 2003; 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. 22/2013/NĐ-CP dated March 13, 2013, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Justice;

Based on 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 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. 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;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Encouragement and Reward,

The Minister of Justice issues this Circular to guide encouragement and reward work within the Justice sector.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides certain contents regarding the subjects of encouragement and reward; organization of launching movements for competition; titles of encouragement and criteria for such titles; forms of reward and criteria for such forms; authority to decide, procedures, and files for requesting rewards; Competition and Reward Councils, Scientific Councils, and Innovation Councils; Competition Clusters, Competition Areas, and the Competition and Reward Fund of the Justice Sector.

Article 2. Subjects of Competition

1. Regular subjects of competition:

a) Units under the Ministry of Justice;

b) Civil Enforcement Bureau;

c) Civil Enforcement Branch;

d) Small collectives under the units specified in point a and b of this clause;

đ) Officials, civil servants, public officials, and workers currently working or employed at the agencies and units specified in points a, b, c, and d of this clause, including civil servants and public officials during their probationary period, indefinite-term contractual employees, and labor contract employees with at least one year of service.

2. Subjects of competition in phases or on specific topics:

a) Collectives and individuals specified in Clause 1 of Article 2 herein;

b) Departments of Justice, collectives, and individuals under Departments of Justice;

c) Collectives and individuals under the Civil Enforcement Agency of the Ministry of National Defense;

d) Collectives and individuals under legal affairs organizations of ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, and specialized agencies under provincial people's committees directly under the central government; collectives and individuals specifically identified in the plan for launching competition movements in phases or on specific topics; collectives and individuals under other agencies, units, and organizations performing tasks related to the fields of work of the Justice sector.

Article 3. Subjects of Reward

1. Collectives and individuals specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 2 herein shall be rewarded based on their achievements and merits; rewards may also be given on specific topics or in phases.

2. Individuals may be awarded the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Justice" in accordance with the regulations on awarding the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Justice" issued by the Minister of Justice.

3. Individuals may be awarded for their long-term contributions.

4. Collectives and individuals may be awarded for outstanding sudden achievements.

5. Collectives and individuals may be awarded for international cooperation.

6. Other subjects as decided by the Minister.

Article 4. Principles of Competition and Commendation

The work of competition and commendation shall be carried out according to the following principles:

a) Voluntary, conscientious, public;

b) Unity, cooperation, and joint development.

Article 5. Principles and Basis for Considering Rewards

1. Reward activities in the judicial sector shall be carried out based on the following principles:

a) Accuracy, transparency, fairness, timeliness, and practicality;

b) A form of commendation may be awarded multiple times to the same recipient; multiple forms of commendation shall not be awarded for the same achievement; it is not necessary to commend in ascending order from lower to higher levels.

c) Ensure consistency between the nature, form, and recipient of commendation.

d) Combining spiritual encouragement with material incentives.

đ) For national-level commendation forms (from the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit upwards), within one year, each individual can only be considered for one form of commendation, except in cases of commendation for dedication, outstanding achievements, or special commendations. When the Ministry of Justice conducts mid-term or final reviews of the implementation of laws, ordinances, decrees, or serves conferences, seminars, forums..., departments and units shall not propose to the Minister of Justice to request the Prime Minister or the State President to award Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister or medals to collectives or individuals.

e) Disciplinary measures against individuals shall only be considered once for each form of commendation (subsequent commendation considerations shall not be based on previously applied disciplinary measures).

g) Ensuring gender equality in competition and commendation.

2. Consideration of rewards in the judicial sector shall be based on the following grounds:

a) The granting of 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; those who do not register for competition will not be considered or recognized for commendation titles.

b) Achievements are commended accordingly; achievements obtained under difficult conditions with wide-ranging impact shall be commended at a higher level.

c) When considering commendation for the head of an organization or unit, it must be based on the achievements of the collective led by that individual.

d) For female leaders and managers, the period of holding office for commendation purposes with a contribution process is reduced by three years compared to the general regulations.

đ) For regular commendations, when many individuals and collectives meet the criteria and standards, individuals and collectives with a female ratio of 70% or more should be selected for commendation consideration.

e) The time for proposing commendation for the next round is calculated from the date of the previous commendation decision.

g) The evaluation and commendation process must be based on the results of assessing the degree of completion of tasks by civil servants, public officials, employees; and organizations and units.

Article 6. Rights and Responsibilities of Organizations and Individuals in Competition and Commendation Work

1. The Minister of Justice organizes the launch and directs the implementation of the competition movement throughout the sector; collaborates with relevant ministries, provincial people's committees under the central government to organize and launch the competition movement in phases or specialized topics related to the activities of the judicial sector; decides on the granting of commendation titles and forms of commendation within their authority or proposes to competent authorities to grant commendation titles and forms of commendation as prescribed by law and is responsible for competition and commendation work in the judicial sector.

2. The Director of the Department of Competition and Commendation has the following duties and powers:

a) Advising and coordinating with heads of units under the Ministry related to the policy, content, program, plan, measures for organizing the competition movement; guiding, urging, summarizing, and concluding various competition movements and commendation work; building, perfecting, and institutionalizing competition and commendation; promoting, disseminating, guiding, and implementing legal provisions on competition and commendation; organizing training and instruction for staff involved in competition and commendation work; building, nurturing, promoting, and publicizing exemplary models and good deeds in the sector; reviewing, compiling files proposed by units for the Competition and Commendation Council of the judicial sector to consider and propose the Minister of Justice to grant commendation titles and forms of commendation within the Minister's authority or to propose the Minister to request competent authorities to grant commendation titles and forms of commendation as prescribed by law; advising the Competition and Commendation Council of the judicial sector to organize inspections and checks on competition and commendation work in units across the judicial sector; leading and coordinating with relevant organizations and individuals to resolve complaints and reports on competition and commendation within the Minister's authority as prescribed by law;

b) Leading and coordinating with the Director of the Department of Organization and Cadres, heads of related agencies and units to advise on commendation proposals for individuals and collectives based on the assessment results of cadres and civil servants and the degree of completion of tasks by agencies and units;

c) Leading and coordinating with the Director of the Information Technology Department and heads of related agencies and units to implement the database on competition and commendation in the judicial sector;

d) Leading and coordinating with heads of units under the Ministry to advise the Minister of Justice to build criteria for scoring and ranking and to organize scoring and ranking of provincial Departments of Justice and Civil Execution Bureaus of provinces and centrally-administered cities to ensure objectivity, accuracy, and fairness.

3. Heads of units under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Departments of Justice, and Directors of Civil Execution Bureaus have the following duties and powers:

a) Leading and coordinating with party committees, political organizations, and social-political organizations in their units to determine the content, targets, and methods of organizing the competition movement suitable to the functions, responsibilities, organizational structure, management objects, and specific conditions of each unit;

b) Proactively launching, organizing, urging, inspecting, summarizing, and concluding the competition movement in their units;

c) Identifying, evaluating, and selecting individuals and collectives under their management with outstanding achievements to grant commendation titles and forms of commendation within their authority or to propose to competent authorities to grant commendation titles and forms of commendation as prescribed by law.

d) Provide written comments on cases of commendation when requested by the Ministry of Justice's Competition and Commendation Council; attend and express opinions at meetings of the Ministry of Justice's Competition and Commendation Council when invited;

đ) Implementing the application of information technology in the activities of competition and rewards according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Justice;

e) Conduct periodic annual summaries or upon completion of competition campaigns by phases or topics to evaluate competition and commendation work, assess competition titles and commendation forms, submit reports and files for examination of competition titles and commendation forms to the Ministry of Justice according to regulations;

g) In addition to the tasks and authorities stipulated in points a, b, c, d, đ, and e of Clause 3 of this Article, heads of units under the Ministry assist the Minister in performing state management functions, the Director of the Civil Enforcement General Department organizes scoring of competition for specialized tasks within their area of management for Provincial Justice Departments, Civil Enforcement Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities; the Director of the Civil Enforcement Department directs and organizes scoring of competition and ranking of local enforcement agencies; the Director of the Provincial Justice Department organizes scoring of competition and ranking of their unit according to the competition scoring criteria issued by the Minister of Justice ensuring substance, objectivity, accuracy, and fairness;

4. The Southern Office has the tasks and authorities specified in Clause 3 of this Article and is responsible for coordinating with the Competition and Commendation Department, the Civil Enforcement General Department to direct, guide, urge, and inspect competition and commendation work, provide written comments on commendation cases of judicial agencies and civil enforcement agencies in the southern region as required by the Ministry of Justice's Competition and Commendation Council;

5. Information, press, and publishing agencies of the judicial sector have the tasks and authorities specified in Clause 3 of this Article and are responsible for promoting competition and commendation work, identifying individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in competition campaigns, showcasing exemplary models, good people and deeds, encouraging competition campaigns, and combating violations of laws on competition and commendation in the judicial sector;

6. Individuals and groups proposed for examination and awarding of competition titles and commendation forms must fully and promptly comply with the procedures, formalities, and deadlines for submitting commendation application files as prescribed in this Circular and relevant laws on competition and commendation;

Chapter II

ORGANIZATION AND LAUNCH OF COMPETITION CAMPAIGNS

Article 7. Forms and contents of organizing and launching competition campaigns

1. The forms of competition organized and launched in the Justice sector include:

a) Regular competition is a form of competition based on the assigned functions and tasks of individuals and groups to organize and launch competition campaigns, sign competition agreements, thereby clearly defining objectives, requirements, goals, specific indicators to implement at agencies, organizations, units or within Competition Clusters or Areas to perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks well according to the targets and programs set by the agencies, units, Clusters, or Areas;

b) Special topic or phase competitions are forms of competition organized within the Ministry, sector, agency, or unit to effectively fulfill key tasks determined within a specific period or to strive to complete urgent and important tasks of the Ministry, sector, agency, or unit. Special topic or phase competitions can only be launched after clearly defining the purpose, requirements, indicators, content, solutions, and implementation time;

2. The content of organizing competition campaigns in the judicial sector is implemented according to the provisions of Article 7 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government; Article 3 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV of the Ministry of Home Affairs;

Article 8. Responsibilities for organizing the competition movement

1. The Minister of Justice launches regular annual competition campaigns, special topic or phase competition campaigns throughout the judicial sector;

2. Heads of units under the Ministry base on the content of competition campaigns launched by the Ministry of Justice, build and implement plans to launch regular competition campaigns, special topic or phase competition campaigns for groups and individuals under their management; submit plans to launch special topic or phase competition campaigns within the scope of the Ministry or sector to the Minister for issuance after receiving the review opinion of the Competition and Commendation Department; organize the launch of special topic or phase competition campaigns for groups and individuals within their agencies or units and report to the Standing Body of the Ministry of Justice's Competition and Commendation Council;

3. Directors of Civil Enforcement Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities base on the content of competition campaigns launched by the Ministry of Justice, provincial or centrally governed city People's Committees, the Civil Enforcement General Department, build and implement plans for regular competition campaigns, special topic or phase competition campaigns for groups and individuals under their management; organize the launch of special topic or phase competition campaigns for groups and individuals within their Civil Enforcement Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities;

4. Directors of Provincial Justice Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities base on the content of competition campaigns launched by the Ministry of Justice, provincial or centrally governed city People's Committees, build and implement plans for regular competition campaigns, special topic or phase competition campaigns for groups and individuals under their management; based on specific conditions and characteristics, organize the launch of special topic or phase competition campaigns for groups and individuals in local judicial agencies;

5. Cluster Competition Leaders, Area Competition Leaders base on the content of competition campaigns launched by the Ministry of Justice, take the lead and coordinate with Deputy Cluster Leaders, Deputy Area Leaders, and heads of agencies and units under the Clusters or Areas to build and implement plans to launch regular competition campaigns, special topic or phase competition campaigns for groups and individuals within the Clusters or Areas;

Chapter III

COMPETITION TITLES, REGISTRATION FOR COMPETITION TITLES, SIGNING OF COMPETITION AGREEMENTS

Article 9. Honorary Titles for Competitions

1. Commendation titles to be submitted to competent authorities for awarding include:

a) The title "National Model Competitor" for individuals;

b) The flag "Government Flag of Competition" for collectives.

2. Competition titles within the authority to examine and award include:

a) The title "Model Competitor of the Justice Sector"; "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" and "Advanced Worker" for individuals;

b) The flag "Flag of Competition of the Justice Sector"; "Collective of Outstanding Workers" and "Collective of Advanced Workers" for collectives.

Article 10. The title "National Model Worker"

1. The title "National Model Competitor" is awarded to individuals who meet the following criteria:

a) Having outstanding achievements selected from individuals who have continuously received the title "Model Worker of the Justice Sector" for two consecutive times, including having continuously received the title "Model Worker at the Base Level" for six years;

b) Having initiatives, work solutions, or scientific research topics that achieve high effectiveness and have a nationwide impact recognized by the Scientific and Initiative Council of the Justice Sector.

2. The time for considering the title "National Model Competitor" is the year immediately following the year in which the title "Model Competitor of the Justice Sector" was achieved for the second time.

Article 11. The title "Model Worker of the Justice Sector"

1. The title "Model Competitor of the Justice Sector" is awarded to individuals who meet the following criteria:

a) Having outstanding achievements selected from among those individuals who have continuously achieved the title "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" three times;

b) Having initiatives, work solutions, management solutions, operational solutions, or scientific research topics to enhance work efficiency recognized by the Scientific and Initiative Council at the base level or already accepted and applied.

2. The time for considering the title "Model Competitor of the Justice Sector" is the year in which the title "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" was achieved for the third time.

Article 12. The title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level"

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

a) Being a "Pioneering Worker";

b) Having initiatives, management solutions, operational solutions, or scientific research topics to increase work efficiency recognized by the Scientific and Initiative Council at the base level or already accepted and applied.

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 13. The title "Pioneering Worker"

Clause 1. The title "Advanced Worker" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Completing assigned tasks well, achieving high productivity and quality;

Point b) Adhering well to the Party's policies and State laws; possessing self-reliance, self-strengthening spirit, solidarity, mutual assistance, and actively participating in competition movements;

c) Actively studying politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills;

d) Having a healthy lifestyle and moral conduct.

2. In cases where individuals participate in combat, serve in combat, or perform courageous actions to save people or property leading to injuries requiring treatment and convalescence according to the conclusion of medical facilities, the treatment and convalescence period shall be counted towards the assessment for the title "Pioneering Worker".

3. Individuals assigned to short-term training or enhancement programs under one year, complying with the regulations of the training or enhancement facility, shall have their study period counted towards their working time at the agency or unit for the assessment of the title "Pioneering Worker". For individuals assigned to training or enhancement programs of one year or more, complying with the regulations of the training or enhancement facility, achieving good grades or higher, shall be eligible for the title "Pioneering Worker".

4. Female individuals on maternity leave as prescribed by law shall still have their leave period counted towards the assessment for the title "Pioneering Worker".

5. For individuals transferred to new agencies or units, the new agency or unit shall be responsible for assessing and electing the title "Pioneering Worker", and if the individual has worked at the previous agency for six months or more, the opinion of the previous agency must be included.

6. For individuals reassigned or seconded to other agencies or units for a certain period, the assessment and election of the title "Pioneering Worker" shall be decided by the agency or unit that reassigned or seconded the individual based on the opinion of the receiving agency or unit.

7. The title "Pioneering Worker" shall not be awarded in any of the following cases: newly recruited for less than ten months, absent from work for forty days or more, disciplined with a warning or higher.

Article 14. The flag "Government Merit Flag"

1. The "Flag of Government Competition" title is awarded to collectives meeting the following standards:

a) Achieving outstanding results and exceeding assigned targets and tasks for the year;

b) Being the most outstanding collective among those meeting the criteria for the flag "Merit Flag of the Justice Sector";

c) Maintaining internal unity, taking the lead in practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils.

2. The number of collectives proposed for the award of the flag "Government Merit Flag" shall not exceed twenty percent of the total number of collectives meeting the criteria for the flag "Merit Flag of the Justice Sector".

3. The competition cluster, the competition region shall convene to assess and honor the flag "Government Merit Flag".

Article 15. The title "Flag of Excellence in the Justice Sector"

Clause 1. The title "Flag of Excellence in the Justice Sector" shall be awarded to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Exceeding the assigned targets and tasks for the year;

Point b) Being an outstanding exemplary collective in the competition movement of the Justice Sector and achieving the title "Outstanding Labor Collective";

Point c) Having new factors and new models for other collectives within the Ministry and the Justice Sector to learn from;

d) Maintaining internal unity, actively practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils.

2. The Competition Cluster and Regional Competition shall convene to review and confer the title "Flag of Excellence in the Judicial Sector".

Article 16. Title "Outstanding Labor Collective"

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

Point 1. Being innovative, overcoming difficulties to excel in completing tasks and fulfilling obligations to the State.

Point 2. Having a regular, practical, and effective competition movement.

Point 3. All individuals in the collective completing assigned tasks, with at least 70% of individuals achieving the title "Advanced Worker".

Point 4. Having individuals who achieve the title "Model Worker at the Base Level" and no individual being disciplined with a warning or higher.

Point 5. Internal unity, setting examples in implementing Party policies and State laws.

Article 17. The title "Advanced Labor Collective"

1. The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Successfully completing assigned tasks and plans;

b) There is a regular, practical, and effective competitive movement;

c) More than 50% of individuals within the collective achieving the title "Advanced Worker" and no individual being disciplined with a warning or higher;

d) Maintaining internal unity and properly implementing Party policies and State laws.

Point 2. For newly established agencies and units, they must have been operating for at least one year (12 months) before being eligible for the title "Advanced Labor Collective".

Article 18. Registration for Competition Titles and Signing Competition Agreements

Clause 1. Units under the Ministry organize for individuals and collectives to register their efforts to achieve competition contents, targets, and titles, and submit one copy of the competition registration to the Department of Competition and Awards, and one copy to the Cluster of Competitions before February 28 each year.

Clause 2. Provincial/City Civil Execution Offices organize for individuals and collectives, including subordinate branches, to register their efforts to achieve competition contents, targets, and titles, and submit one copy of the competition registration to the Department of Competition and Awards; one copy to the Region of Competitions, and one copy to the General Department of Civil Execution before February 28 each year.

Clause 3. Clusters and Regions of Competitions organize signing competition agreements expressing commitment to respond to and implement competitions launched by the Ministry of Justice, clearly defining targets, contents, measures, and compiling competition titles of units within the Clusters and Regions; submitting signed agreements to the Department of Competition and Awards before March 15 each year.

Chapter IV

TYPES OF AWARDS AND AWARD FORMS

Article 19. Types of Awards

Clause 1. Awards based on achievements and merits are forms of recognition given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results in the implementation of tasks related to building and defending the country.

Clause 2. Special topic awards or campaign awards are given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results after the completion of a competition campaign initiated by the Minister or heads of agencies and units.

In cases where nationwide competition campaigns are organized for periods of three years or more, outstanding collectives and individuals can be selected for recommendation to the Prime Minister for the award of "Prime Minister's Commendation"; for periods of five years or more, outstanding collectives and individuals can be selected for recommendation to the President for the award of "Labor Medal" Class Three.

Clause 3. Immediate awards are given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results in labor, production, combat, or service support; bravery in rescuing people or state property (immediate achievements are those accomplished in unforeseen circumstances outside the normal work plan that the collective or individual had to undertake).

Clause 4. Awards for dedication are given to individuals who have made significant contributions during various stages of the revolution (holding leadership positions in state agencies, public institutions, political organizations, or social-political organizations) with outstanding achievements contributing to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

Clause 5. Foreign awards are given to foreign collectives and individuals who have made significant contributions to the construction and defense of Vietnam in areas such as politics, economy, culture-society, security-defense, diplomacy, or other fields.

Article 20. Forms of rewards

1. Forms of reward to be submitted for consideration and presentation by competent authorities include:

a) Orders;

b) Medals;

c) State Honorary Titles;

d) "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award";

đ) "Prime Minister's Commendation".

2. Forms of reward within the authority to consider and present include:

a) Medal "For the Cause of Justice";

b) "Ministry of Justice Minister's Commendation";

c) Certificate of Merit issued by Heads of Units under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Justice Departments, and Heads of Civil Enforcement Bureaus.

Article 21. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Justice"

The awarding of the Medal "For the Cause of Justice" shall be carried out in accordance with regulations on the awarding of the Medal "For the Cause of Justice" issued by the Minister of Justice.

Article 22. "Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Justice"

1. "Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Justice" shall be considered and awarded to individuals who set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines and policies and State laws and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competitions initiated by the Ministry of Justice;

b) Achieving many results with significant influence in each field under the Justice sector;

c) Achieving outstanding and sudden results;

d) Consistently excelling for two consecutive years during which they have two recognized innovative ideas or solutions that are effectively applied at the grassroots level, acknowledged by the grassroots Scientific and Innovative Council.

2. "Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Justice" shall be considered and awarded to groups who set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines and policies and State laws, maintain internal unity, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in competitive movements;

b) Achieving outstanding and sudden results with significant influence in each field under the Justice sector;

c) Consistently excelling for two consecutive years, maintaining internal unity, effectively implementing grassroots democracy regulations, organizing competitions well, caring for the material and spiritual life of group members, practicing thrift, and fully implementing all systems and policies for every member of the group.

Article 23. Certificate of Commendation issued by the Heads of units under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Justice Departments, and Heads of Civil Execution Cadastral Offices of centrally governed cities and provinces

1. The Certificate of Commendation issued by the Heads of units under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Justice Departments, and Heads of Civil Execution Cadastral Offices of centrally governed cities and provinces shall be considered and awarded to individuals meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achievements recognized in competitive movements;

b) Achieving exceptional results;

c) Fulfilling duties and civic obligations well, having good moral character, being united, and exemplarily implementing Party policies and State laws.

2. The Certificate of Commendation issued by the Heads of units under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Justice Departments, and Heads of Civil Execution Cadastral Offices of centrally governed cities and provinces shall be considered and awarded to groups meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in competitive movements;

b) Achieving exceptional results;

c) Fulfilling duties well, maintaining internal unity, exemplarily implementing Party policies and State laws, implementing democratic regulations at the grassroots level, practicing thrift, and combating waste.

Chapter V

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE ON AWARDS AND ORGANIZE AWARDING; PROCEDURES AND RECORDS

PROPOSAL FOR CONSIDERATION AND AWARDING OF COMPETITION AWARDS AND REWARD FORMS

Section 1

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE ON AWARDS AND ORGANIZE AWARDING

COMPETITION TITLES AND REWARD FORMS

Article 24. Authority to decide on awarding competition titles and reward forms in the Justice sector

1. The Minister of Justice decides to award the title "Flag of Excellence in the Justice Sector", the title "Outstanding Competitor in the Justice Sector", the title "Excellent Labor Collective", the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Justice", and Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals in the Justice sector in accordance with the competition and reward objects specified in Article 2 of this Circular; the title "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", the title "Advanced Worker", and the title "Advanced Labor Collective" to collectives and individuals of units under the Ministry without legal personality.

2. The Heads of units under the Ministry of Justice with legal personality decide to award the title "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", the title "Advanced Worker", the title "Advanced Labor Collective", and Certificates of Commendation to collectives and individuals within their units.

3. The Heads of units under the Ministry of Justice without legal personality decide to award Certificates of Commendation to collectives and individuals within their management authority; sign Decisions acting on behalf of the Minister and affix the Ministry seal after approval by the Minister of Justice for the titles "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", the title "Advanced Worker", and the title "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives and individuals within their units.

4. The Director of the Civil Enforcement Cadastral General Department decides to award the title "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", the title "Advanced Worker", and the title "Advanced Labor Collective" to collectives being Civil Enforcement Cadastral Offices, to individuals being Directors and Deputy Directors of Civil Enforcement Cadastral Offices, and to individuals and collectives under the General Department; award Certificates of Commendation to individuals and collectives within their management authority.

5. The Director of the Civil Enforcement Cadastral Office decides to award the title "Outstanding Competitor at the Grassroots Level", the title "Advanced Worker", the title "Advanced Labor Collective", and Certificates of Commendation to individuals and collectives under the Civil Enforcement Cadastral Office and Civil Enforcement Sub-Cadastral Offices.

Article 25. Organization of awarding commendation titles and forms of reward

1. The person authorized to decide on granting commendation titles or forms of reward shall directly present such titles or forms of reward or delegate others to do so according to the regulations on the ceremony for presenting commendation titles and forms of reward.

2. The ceremony for presenting national-level commendation titles and forms of reward: Orders, Medals, State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" and "Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit" shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Government Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013 on organizing commemorative days; the ceremony for presenting and receiving forms of reward, commendation titles, diplomatic rituals, and welcoming foreign guests.

3. The organization of awarding commendation titles and forms of reward is an opportunity to highlight and honor exemplary individuals and good deeds, and must ensure solemnity, practicality, avoid ostentation, formalism, and waste; when organizing, it should be combined with the summary meetings of the Department, agency, or unit's work or integrated with other contents to save time and costs.

4. The Department of Commendation and Reward shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to advise and propose to the Minister on the organization of awarding national-level commendation titles and forms of reward and those within the authority of the Minister.

Section 2

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTS FOR PROPOSAL TO CONSIDER AND AWARDS

COMPETITION TITLES AND REWARD FORMS

Article 26. General Provisions on Considering and Proposing Commendation Titles and Forms of Reward

1. Management levels responsible for organizational structure, cadres, civil servants, public officials, employees, and salary funds shall be responsible for considering and proposing to grant commendation titles and forms of reward within their authority or reporting to higher levels to consider and grant such titles and forms of reward as prescribed. The leading level shall initiate competition campaigns, select exemplary cases during the summary period to consider and propose to grant commendation titles and forms of reward or report to higher levels to consider and grant such titles and forms of reward as prescribed.

2. Based on the achievements in the annual competition, collectives and individuals may be considered for commendation titles equal to or lower than those registered. In cases where collectives and individuals achieve outstanding results exceeding the standards of the registered commendation titles in the year, they may be considered for higher commendation titles depending on the nature, degree, and scope of influence of the achieved results.

Article 27. Proposal to Consider and Award Commendation Titles and Forms of Reward

1. The Minister of Justice shall consider and propose to the Prime Minister to request the President to decide on awarding Orders, Medals, State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize"; propose the Government to decide on awarding "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence"; propose the Prime Minister to decide on awarding "Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit"; "National Model Worker" for individuals and collectives under the Ministry of Justice as prescribed. Publicize the list of collectives and individuals proposed for awards of Orders and State Honorary Titles on the Ministry of Justice's official website and process information before submitting to the Prime Minister and the President for awards.

2. Heads of units under the Ministry shall complete files and submit them to the Department of Commendation and Reward for review, then propose to the Departmental Competition and Reward Council to consider and propose the Minister of Justice to award commendation titles and forms of reward within the Minister's authority, or propose the Minister to report to the competent authority to consider and award commendation titles and forms of reward for individuals and collectives under their own agencies or units, or propose the Minister to award Certificates of Merit for subjects under their advisory, management, and oversight areas as specified in Point d Clause 2 Article 2 of this Circular.

3. In addition to the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article, the Director of the Civil Enforcement General Department, the Head of the International Cooperation Department, the Director of the Ministry's Office, and the Head of the Cadre and Civil Servant Organization Department shall propose to consider and award commendation titles and forms of reward as follows:

a) The Director of the Civil Enforcement General Department shall examine and compile the proposal files submitted by the Directors of Civil Enforcement Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities, send them to the Department of Commendation and Reward for review, then propose to the Departmental Competition and Reward Council to consider and propose the Minister of Justice to award commendation titles and forms of reward within the Minister's authority, or propose the Minister to report to the competent authority to award commendation titles and forms of reward for collectives and individuals under local enforcement agencies and collectives and individuals under the enforcement agency of the Ministry of National Defense as prescribed.

b) The Head of the International Cooperation Department shall complete files and submit them to the Department of Commendation and Reward for review, then propose to the Departmental Competition and Reward Council to consider and propose the Minister of Justice to award forms of reward within the Minister's authority, or propose the Minister to report to the competent authority to award forms of reward for organizations and individuals from abroad who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the judicial sector.

c) The Director of the Ministry's Office shall complete files and submit them to the Department of Commendation and Reward for review, then propose to the Departmental Competition and Reward Council to consider and propose the Minister of Justice to award commendation titles and forms of reward within the Minister's authority, or propose the Minister to report to the competent authority to award commendation titles and forms of reward for Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

d) The Head of the Cadre and Civil Servant Organization Department shall complete files and submit them to the Department of Commendation and Reward for review, then propose to the Departmental Competition and Reward Council to consider and propose the Minister of Justice to report to the competent authority to award posthumous forms of reward for former leaders of units under the Ministry who have retired or passed away and have long-term contributions to the judicial sector but have not been rewarded for their contributions.

4. The Director of the Department of Justice shall complete the dossier to be sent to the Department of Awards and Honors for review, and submit to the Awards and Honors Council of the Justice Sector for consideration and recommendation to the Minister of Justice to confer the title "Flag of Excellence in the Justice Sector" on the Department of Justice; confer Certificates of Merit from the Minister on the Department of Justice, outstanding collectives and individuals within the Department of Justice during the campaign period or thematic activities; confer Certificates of Merit from the Minister on collectives and individuals under the management of the Department of Justice who have made outstanding achievements; confer Commemorative Medals "For the Cause of Justice" on individuals who have made significant contributions to the cause of building and developing the Justice Sector in accordance with regulations.

Article 28. Dossier for Consideration of Award Titles and Forms of Recognition at the National Level

1. The dossier for consideration of award titles and forms of recognition at the national level for collectives and individuals includes:

a) Memorandum;

b) Minutes of the meeting of the Awards and Honors Council at the grassroots level;

c) Reports on achievements of the collective or individual being recommended for recognition in accordance with the prescribed format set out in Decree No. 39/2012/NĐ-CP (five original copies);

d) A report accompanying the minutes of the final conference and minutes of the ballot for assessment and recommendation of the Cluster or Region for cases recommending the "Flag of Excellence from the Government";

2. In addition to the dossier submitted via official correspondence as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, the agency or unit must simultaneously send an electronic file of the dossier (in .doc format for reports, lists, achievement reports of collectives and individuals recommended for recognition, and in .pdf format for other related dossiers) to the email address of the Department of Awards and Honors ([email protected]).

Article 29. Dossier for Consideration of Award Titles and Forms of Recognition within the Authority of the Minister of Justice

1. The dossier for consideration of awarding the titles "Outstanding Labor Collective", "Flag of Excellence in the Justice Sector", "Excellence Medalist in the Justice Sector", and conferring Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Justice on collectives and individuals consists of one set including:

a) A request letter attached with a list of collectives and individuals proposed for rewards according to Form No. 01 issued together with this Circular;

b) Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Reward Council at the grassroots level according to Form No. 02 issued together with this Circular;

c) Reports on achievements of the collective or individual being recommended for recognition according to Model No. 03 and Model No. 04 issued together with this Circular. The achievement report must list all award titles and forms of recognition achieved as a basis for comparison with the specified criteria;

d) A report accompanying the minutes of the final conference and minutes of the ballot for assessment and recommendation of the Cluster or Region for cases recommending the "Flag of Excellence in the Justice Sector";

đ) Decision recognizing inventions or research topics of the head of the agency or unit recognizing the individual being recommended for the "Excellence Medalist in the Justice Sector" according to Model No. 07 issued together with this Circular.

2. The documents for requesting to be awarded the "Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Justice" by topic or in batches include:

a) A request letter attached with a list of collectives and individuals proposed for rewards according to Form No. 01 issued together with this Circular;

b) Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Reward Council at the grassroots level according to Form No. 02 issued together with this Circular;

c) Report on achievements of the collectives and individuals proposed for rewards according to Form No. 06 issued together with this Circular;

d) Report evaluating the results of mid-term and final reviews of the leading unit of the topic (applicable when launching a movement of competition by topic involving cooperation between agencies and units).

3. In addition to the dossier submitted via official correspondence as stipulated in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, the agency or unit must simultaneously send an electronic file of the dossier (in .doc format for the report and list of collectives and individuals recommended for recognition, and in .pdf format for other related dossiers) to the email address of the Department of Awards and Honors ([email protected]).

4. For cases recommending recognition for foreign organizations or individuals, opinions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security are required.

Article 30. Documents for Proposing Awards through Simplified Procedures

1. Awards through simplified procedures shall be implemented when the following conditions are met:

a) The rewards serve political requirements, timely encouraging and motivating the masses;

b) Individuals and groups who have achieved outstanding and exceptional achievements in work, study, or operations;

c) Achievements and merits are clear.

2. Documents for proposing rewards through simplified procedures include:

a) A report attached with a list of individuals and groups proposed for awards according to Model No. 01 issued together with this Circular;

b) A summary of achievements of the directly managing agency or unit detailing the actions, achievements, and merits of the individuals and groups proposed for awards through simplified procedures according to Model No. 05 issued together with this Circular.

Article 31. Documents for Proposing Consideration for Commendation Titles and Forms of Awards within the Authority of Heads of Ministries’ Units, Departments under the Ministry, and Civil Execution Department Directors

The documents for proposing consideration for the titles "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", "Advanced Working Group" and Certificates of Merit for groups and individuals shall be compiled into one set including:

1. A report attached with a list of groups and individuals proposed for awards according to Model No. 01 issued together with this Circular.

2. Minutes of the meeting of the Grassroots Mobilization and Reward Council according to Model No. 02 issued together with this Circular.

3. Report on achievements of the collectives and individuals proposed for rewards.

4. Decision recognizing inventions and scientific research topics of the head of the agency or unit recognizing such inventions and research topics for individuals proposed for the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" according to Model No. 07 issued together with this Circular.

Article 32. Time for Submitting Documents for Proposing Awards

1. The time for submitting documents to the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Justice Sector for regular annual awards and special topic awards at year-end is as follows:

a) The time for submitting documents from units under the Ministry, Provincial Justice Departments, and other agencies and units proposing awards for commendation titles and forms of awards within the authority of the Minister of Justice shall be before November 10; the Civil Execution General Department shall submit documents for awards for commendation titles and forms of awards from Civil Execution Departments before November 15; the time for submitting documents from Mobilization and Competition Clusters and Regions proposing awards for commendation titles "Flag of Government Mobilization", "Flag of Justice Sector Mobilization" from units under the Clusters and Regions shall be before November 15;

b) The time for submitting documents from agencies and units proposing national-level regular awards for the title "National Model Worker", "Flag of Government Mobilization" shall be before March 15; for Orders, Medals, "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize" shall be before March 31.

2. The time for submitting documents for proposing special topic, emergency, and other types of awards shall be carried out according to guiding documents or mobilization plans of the Ministry of Justice or competent state agencies.

3. The time for submitting documents for proposing commendation titles and forms of awards within the authority of heads of units under the Ministry, Provincial Justice Directors, and Civil Execution Department Directors of provinces and centrally-administered cities shall be determined by the heads of these units.

Article 33. Acceptance, Review of Files and Presentation for Awards

1. Relevant agencies and units shall submit complete files within the prescribed deadlines. The Department of Competition and Awards shall accept and review files proposing to confer commendation titles and awards within the authority of the Minister, as well as files proposing to confer commendation titles and forms of competition as stipulated. For files that do not comply with regulations, the Department of Competition and Awards shall notify the submitting unit and clearly specify the deadline for completing and resubmitting the files within two working days from the date of reviewing the files.

2. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving files proposing to confer the "Ministry of Justice Merit Certificate", the "Justice Service Commemorative Medal"; thirty working days from the date of receiving files proposing to confer the title of "Outstanding Labor Collective", "Competition Flag of the Justice Sector", "Justice Sector Model Competitor", "Government Competition Flag", "Prime Minister's Merit Certificate", "Labor Order" of all classes; forty-five working days from the date of receiving files proposing to confer the title of "National Model Competitor", "Heroic Laborer", "Independence Order", "Ho Chi Minh Order", "Golden Star Order", the Department of Competition and Awards shall be responsible for reviewing the files and presenting them to the Competition and Awards Council of the Justice Sector, except in cases decided by the Minister of Justice.

3. At the latest five working days from the date the Competition and Awards Council of the Justice Sector convenes to examine or seek opinions from its members, the Department of Competition and Awards must complete all procedures as prescribed to present to the Minister, except in special cases decided by the Minister of Justice.

Article 34. Concurrence on Awards

1. The Ministry of Justice shall implement concurrence on awards based on the proposal of the Central Competition and Awards Board, the Chairperson of the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces.

2. Upon receipt of the document proposing concurrence from the Central Competition and Awards Board, the Department of Competition and Awards shall be responsible for drafting the concurrence document, seeking opinions from permanent members of the Competition and Awards Council of the Justice Sector, related units, and Deputy Ministers in charge of the agency, unit, or locality.

3. The Department of Competition and Awards shall compile the opinions received and finalize the draft concurrence document, presenting it to the Minister or Deputy Minister in charge for consideration and decision.

Article 35. Management and Storage of Award Files

1. The Department of Competition and Awards shall be responsible for managing and storing files, recording ledgers, and tracking commendation titles and award forms within the authority of the Minister and national-level commendation titles and award forms; implementing the transfer of award files to the Archive Room of the Ministry's Office in accordance with current laws on archives.

2. Agencies and units shall organize the management and storage of files, recording ledgers, and tracking commendation titles and award forms for individuals and collectives under their jurisdiction. Decisions on conferring commendation titles and award forms by agencies and units under the Ministry must be sent to the Department of Competition and Awards at the latest fifteen days from the date of issuance of the decision.

3. Commendation and reward files shall be stored on paper and electronically in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Chapter VI

COMPETITION AND AWARDS COUNCIL; SCIENCE AND INNOVATION COUNCIL;

COMPETITION GROUPS AND COMPETITION ZONES

Article 36. The Competition and Reward Council of the Justice Sector

1. Competition Council - The Competition and Reward Council of the Justice Sector shall be established by the Minister of Justice to advise and provide consultation to the Minister of Justice on competition and reward activities.

2. Composition of the Competition - Award Council - The Competition and Reward Council of the Justice Sector includes:

a) The Chairman of the Council is the Minister of Justice;

b) Vice Chairpersons of the Council: The Deputy Minister responsible for competition and reward work shall be the First Vice Chairman. The Director of the Department of Competition and Reward shall be the Acting Vice Chairman, and other Vice Chairpersons shall be appointed by the Minister.

c) The Members of the Council are heads of some units under the Ministry, the number and composition of which are determined by the Chairman of the Council.

3. The Standing Body of the Competition and Reward Council of the Justice Sector consists of the Chairman and Vice Chairpersons.

4. The Council operates according to the Regulation on Activities issued by the Minister of Justice.

Article 37. The Competition and Reward Council at the Base Level

1. The Competition and Reward Council at the base level of the Enforcement Agency General Department, units under the Ministry, and Provincial Enforcement Agencies shall be established by the heads of these agencies and units to advise and provide consultation to them on competition and reward activities. The Competition and Reward Council at the base level operates according to the Regulation on Activities issued by the head of the agency or unit.

2. Depending on the organizational structure, the number of civil servants, officials, and employees under the management of the agency or unit, the number of members of the Competition and Reward Council at the base level may be 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 members with the following composition:

a) The Chairman of the Council is the head of the agency or unit;

b) The Vice Chairman of the Council is the person heading the organization assisting the head of the agency or unit in implementing competition and reward work; In case the Competition and Reward Council at the base level has 9 or 11 members, two or three Vice Chairmen shall be designated, among whom the person heading the organization assisting the head of the agency or unit in implementing competition and reward work shall be the Acting Vice Chairman;

c) Members of the Council are representatives of the Party Committee, the Trade Union Organization, and other members who are heads of specialized units directly under the agency or unit, selected and decided by the head of the agency or unit.

3. The Standing Body of the Council consists of the Chairman and Vice Chairmen.

4. The Competition and Reward Council at the base level performs the following tasks:

a) Advising the head of the unit to organize the launch, direct, guide, inspect, and urge the implementation of competition movements within the sector and management tasks of the agency or unit, ensuring that the movement develops strongly, widely, correctly, practically, and effectively;

b) Reviewing and selecting outstanding collectives and individuals in the competition movement, submitting to the head of the agency or unit for decision to confer commendation titles and reward forms within their authority, or proposing to the head of the agency or unit to submit to the Minister for conferring higher commendation titles and reward forms as prescribed;

c) Summarizing and concluding the competition movement of the agency or unit, proposing to the head of the agency or unit about plans to organize, launch, direct the implementation of the competition movement, and promote exemplary models and good deeds in the agency or unit;

d) Carry out other tasks assigned by the head of the agency or unit.

Article 38. The Scientific and Innovation Council of the Justice Sector

1. The Scientific and Innovation Council of the Justice Sector shall be established by the Minister of Justice to assist the Minister in providing advice and objectively evaluating the extent and impact of innovations and research topics, serving as a basis for the Minister to decide to recognize innovations, solutions, and scientific research topics for individuals proposed for the award of the "Labor Medal" in various categories, "Justice Meritorious Soldier", and "National Meritorious Soldier".

2. The composition of the Scientific and Innovation Council of the Justice Sector includes:

a) The Chairman of the Council is the Deputy Minister responsible for the commendation and reward work in the Judicial Sector;

b) The Acting Vice Chairman of the Council is the Director of the Department of Competition and Reward;

c) Members of the Council are the Directors of the Institute of Legal Science and heads of some other units under the Ministry, and individuals with expertise and high professional qualifications in management, scientific research, evaluation, and technical innovation assessment, solutions, and research topics. The specific number and composition are decided by the Minister of Justice.

3. The Scientific and Innovation Council of the Justice Sector operates according to the Regulation on Activities issued by the Minister of Justice.

Article 39. Scientific Council, Initiative Council at the Base Level

1. The Scientific Council, Initiative Council at the Base Level shall be established by the head of the agency or unit and shall have the task of assisting the head of the agency or unit to examine and evaluate initiatives, solutions, scientific research topics as a basis for considering and proposing the head of the agency or unit to decide on recognizing initiatives, solutions, and scientific research topics for individuals proposed for awarding the "Ministry of Justice Merit Certificate", the title "Model Worker at the Base Level". The Scientific Council, Initiative Council at the Base Level operates according to the operational regulations issued by the head of the agency or unit.

2. The membership of the Scientific Council, Initiative Council at the Base Level includes:

a) The Chairman of the Council is the head or deputy head of the agency or unit;

b) The Vice-Chairman of the Council is the representative of the leadership of the organization assisting the Head of the agency or unit in carrying out commendation and reward work;

c) Members appointed by the head of the agency or unit include those with professional management qualifications and the ability to assess and appraise initiatives, solutions, and topics in management and organization of tasks within the agency or unit.

Article 40. Competition Group, Competition Area

1. Based on the characteristics of position, function, tasks, nature of work, and scope of operation of units, the Minister of Justice decides to establish Competition Clusters for units under the Ministry.

2. Based on specific characteristics and conditions in the area, the Minister of Justice decides to establish Competition Areas for Provincial Departments of Justice and Civil Enforcement Bureaus.

3. The Competition Group, Competition Area has the function of advising and consulting the Minister of Justice to organize the launch, implementation, urging, inspection, interim review, and final summary of annual competition movements, thematic competitions, and campaign competitions suitable to the specific conditions and characteristics of the Competition Group, Competition Area. The Competition Group, Competition Area is organized and operates according to the regulations issued by the Minister of Justice.

4. The Head of the Competition Group, the Head of the Competition Area leads and directs the activities of the Competition Group, Competition Area and is responsible for all activities of the Competition Group, Competition Area; chairs and concludes meetings of the Competition Group, Competition Area. The Minister of Justice decides to appoint the Head and Deputy Head of the Competition Group, Competition Area based on the proposal of the Director of the Department of Mobilization and Reward, the Director General of the Civil Enforcement General Bureau, and the Director of the Ministry's Office.

Article 41. Tasks of the Competition Group, Competition Area

1. Organize the launch and signing of competition pledges reflecting the determination to respond to and implement the competition movement launched by the Ministry of Justice; set out targets, contents, and methods of organizing implementation aimed at developing the competition movement of the Competition Group, Competition Area strongly, widely, correctly, and effectively.

2. Interim review and final summary of the competition movement annually and propose directions and tasks for organizing the competition movement of the Competition Group, Competition Area; share experiences, build new models, and exemplary cases in the Competition Group, Competition Area.

3. Uniformly evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the competition movement, score, and rank agencies and units in the Competition Group, Competition Area according to the ranking criteria and scoring standards of the Ministry.

4. Select and honor outstanding collectives with exemplary achievements in the Competition Group, Competition Area to propose for awarding the "Government Flag of Competition", "Flag of Competition in the Legal Sector", and exemplary cases in the Legal Sector.

5. Carry out other tasks assigned by the Minister of Justice.

Chapter VII

COMPETITION AND REWARD FUND OF THE JUSTICE SECTOR

Article 42. Sources and Levels of Deduction from the Competition and Reward Fund of the Legal Sector

1. The Competition and Reward Fund of the Legal Sector is formed from state budget sources, contributions from individuals and organizations both domestically and internationally, and other lawful revenue sources.

2. The establishment of the Competition and Reward Fund of the Legal Sector shall be carried out as follows:

a) Annually, based on the state budget estimate assigned by the competent authority; based on the total salary fund according to rank and grade of civil servants, public officials, and employees within the establishment, and the approved annual wage according to the state-defined wage scale (excluding the wages and remuneration of units under full funding for their operations); the results of implementing the competition and reward fund in the previous year and the projected total expenditure level for the current year, the Minister of Justice decides on the level of deduction for the Competition and Reward Fund of the Legal Sector and the level of deduction for the competition and reward funds of subordinate budgetary units from the state budget, with a maximum of 20% of the total salary fund for positions, ranks, and grades of civil servants, public officials, and employees within the establishment and the approved annual wage mentioned above;

b) The heads of budgetary units under the Ministry are responsible for transferring the competition and reward funds of their units into the account of the Competition and Reward Fund of the Legal Sector. The Civil Enforcement General Bureau is responsible for deducting the competition and reward funds of budgetary units within the civil enforcement system and transferring them to the Civil Enforcement General Bureau's Office account to be transferred into the account of the Competition and Reward Fund of the Legal Sector.

Article 43. Management and use of the Competition and Reward Fund

1. The Competition and Reward Fund of the Justice Sector shall have a bank account opened at the State Treasury, with the Chairman of the Competition and Reward Council of the Justice Sector being the account holder. The authorized signatory for the account holder is the Director of the Competition and Reward Department, who uses the seal of the Ministry of Justice to manage and utilize the Competition and Reward Fund of the Justice Sector in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. The contents and levels of expenditure for competition and reward activities within the Justice Sector shall be implemented according to the provisions set forth in Article 4 of Circular No. 71/2011/TT-BTC dated May 24, 2011, issued by the Ministry of Finance, guiding the establishment, management, and utilization of the Competition and Reward Fund pursuant to Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010, issued by the Government detailing the implementation of certain articles of the Law on Competition and Reward, the regulations of the Minister of Justice, and current financial laws.

3. The Planning and Finance Department shall take the lead and coordinate with the Competition and Reward Department to provide detailed guidance on the annual establishment of the Competition and Reward Fund, its management, utilization, and settlement in the Justice Sector in accordance with the provisions of the law.

4. Heads of units under the Ministry that have legal personality, separate accounts, and their own seals, when organizing competition movements and deciding to confer commendation titles and forms of rewards within their authority, shall allocate funds for competition and reward from their own Competition and Reward Fund.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 44. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Director of the Competition and Reward Department shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units under the Ministry to assist the Minister of Justice in providing guidance, inspection, and urging units under the Ministry, provincial Departments of Justice, and centrally-administered city Departments of Justice to implement this Circular.

2. The Civil Enforcement General Department shall take the lead and coordinate with the Competition and Reward Department to assist the Minister in providing guidance, inspection, and urging local civil enforcement agencies to implement this Circular.

3. The Inspector-General of the Ministry of Justice, within the scope of their functions, tasks, and authorities assigned, shall conduct inspections on competition and reward work in the Justice Sector, promptly advise and propose solutions to the Minister of Justice to address violations, complaints, and accusations regarding competition and reward in accordance with the law.

4. The Heads of Competition Clusters, Heads of Competition Regions, Heads of units under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Justice Departments, and Heads of Civil Enforcement Bureaus in centrally-administered cities, within the scope of their tasks and authorities assigned, shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

Article 45. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from November 27, 2015, replacing Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BTP dated March 7, 2011, issued by the Ministry of Justice, guiding competition and reward work in the Justice Sector./.