Circular No. 17/2019/TT-NHNN guides the work of competition and commendation in the Banking industry.

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Banking Industry

 

Based on the Law on Competition and Reward dated November 26, 2003; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Law on Competition and Reward dated June 14, 2005; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Law on Competition and Reward dated November 16, 2013;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP dated July 31, 2017 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward;

Pursuant to Government Decree No. 16/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 17, 2017 on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the State Bank of Vietnam;

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

The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam issues this Circular to guide competition and reward work in the banking industry.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides the implementation of competition and reward work in the banking industry, including the following contents: subjects of competition and reward; organization of competition movements; titles of honor and criteria for such titles; forms of reward and criteria for rewards; authority to decide on rewards and procedures for proposing rewards; presentation of titles of honor and forms of reward; competition and reward funds; state management of competition and reward work; Competition and Reward Councils and Innovation Councils at all levels; rights and obligations of individuals and organizations receiving rewards.

Article 2. Applicability

Individuals and organizations under the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank); credit institutions; foreign bank branches; Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank; other individuals and organizations directly and substantially contributing to the activities of the banking industry.

Article 3. Collectives in the Banking Industry

1. For the State Bank

a) Large collectives are units under the State Bank, offices of Party and mass organizations at the headquarters of the State Bank;

b) Basic collectives are Departments, Bureaus, and Office under the Inspection and Supervision Authority; Branches under the Bureau;

c) Small collectives are Departments (Bureaus) and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Points a and b of this Clause.

2. For credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation

a) Large collectives are commercial banks, social policy banks, Vietnam Cooperative Banks, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, foreign bank branches, financial companies, leasing finance companies, microfinance organizations (excluding subsidiaries of credit institutions);

b) Basic collectives are Departments (Bureaus), centers at headquarters, branches, subsidiaries, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause (excluding microfinance organizations);

c) Small collectives are Departments (Bureaus), transaction offices, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point b of this Clause.

3. For Training Units

a) Large collectives are the Banking Academy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking;

b) Basic collectives are Departments, Faculties, Departments, Centers, and training units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause;

c) Small collectives are Departments (Bureaus), Faculties, Departments, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point b of this Clause.

4. For Enterprises Managed by the State Bank

a) Large collectives are the National Currency Printing Factory, Vietnam National Payment Corporation, Vietnam Asset Management Corporation, and other enterprises managed by the State Bank;

b) Basic collectives are Departments (Bureaus), workshops, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause;

c) Small collectives are teams and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point b of this Clause.

5. For Permanent Offices of Associations Managed by the State Bank

a) Large collectives are the Permanent Office of the Vietnam Bank Association, the Vietnam People's Credit Union Association, the Vietnam Leasing Finance Company Association, and other associations managed by the State Bank;

b) Small collectives are Departments (Bureaus) and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause.

Article 4. Principles for Awards

The principles for awards in the banking industry shall be implemented according to Article 3 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP dated July 31, 2017, of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards (Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP) and the following regulations:

1. In one year, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the Governor) may only present a Certificate of Merit or propose national-level rewards once for a collective or individual, except for exceptional or specialized awards.

2. Awards or proposals for higher-level awards shall not be made for collectives or individuals who are under consideration by competent authorities for disciplinary actions, or are under investigation, inspection, or examination due to signs of violations or complaints and reports that are being verified.

3. Only credit institutions, branches of credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are Managers, Controllers of credit institutions, or General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches with non-performing loan ratios within the levels determined annually by the Governor shall be considered for awards or presented to competent authorities for awards.

4. Collectives and individuals in the banking sector proposing to be awarded the "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister" shall meet the criteria of the "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" (for comprehensive achievements). For collectives and individuals in the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, the Banking Academy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, and Party and mass organizations, the criteria for assessment are the "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" or Certificates of Merit from central ministries, sectors, or mass organizations (for comprehensive achievements).

5. The standard for "Collective Outstandingly Fulfilling Tasks" for award consideration is a collective recognized by the competent authority with the title "Outstanding Labor Collective."

6. The time for submitting subsequent award applications is calculated based on the period of achievement recorded in the previous award decision. If the previous award decision does not specify the period of achievement, the time for submitting subsequent award applications is calculated based on the issuance date of the previous award decision.

Article 5. INNOVATIONS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

1. Innovations in the banking industry (hereinafter referred to as innovations) are new solutions created or improvements to existing solutions applied during the implementation of tasks, bringing tangible benefits (economic efficiency or social benefits), enhancing productivity, quality, and effectiveness of work, including:

a) Management solutions are methods of organizing and managing work by management subjects over management objects to achieve specific goals in work.

b) Technical solutions are methods and technical means to solve specific tasks.

c) Operational solutions are advisory and proposal-making activities for methods to implement tasks, helping management subjects resolve work effectively.

d) Solutions applying scientific and technological progress and new technologies are methods, approaches, and measures to apply known technical solutions in practical banking operations.

2. Scope of Influence of Innovations

a) National-level innovations (hereinafter referred to as national-level innovations) are new solutions created or improvements to existing solutions applied in the banking industry, bringing tangible benefits nationwide.

b) Industry-level innovations (hereinafter referred to as industry-level innovations) are new solutions created or improvements to existing solutions applied in the banking industry, bringing tangible benefits to the industry.

c) Organizational-level innovations (hereinafter referred to as organizational-level innovations) are new solutions created or improvements to existing solutions applied in the organization, bringing tangible benefits to the organization's activities.

Chapter II

COMPETITION AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Section 1

COMPETITION AND ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

Article 6. Forms of organizing the competition movement

1. Regular competition is a form of competition based on the functions and tasks assigned to collectives and individuals to organize and launch, aiming to perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual work well at agencies, organizations, units. The target of regular competition is individuals within a collective, collectives within the same agency, organization, unit, or between agencies, organizations, units with similar functions, tasks, and nature of work.

The organization of the regular competition movement must clearly define the purpose, requirements, goals, specific indicators, and be implemented at agencies, organizations, units or according to Competition Groups to launch the competition movement and sign competition agreements. At the end of the year's work, the heads of agencies, organizations, units, and leaders of Competition Groups conduct summaries and evaluations for competition titles.

2. Special topic (or phased) competition is a form of competition aimed at performing key tasks or a concentrated field determined within a certain period or organizing competition to strive to complete urgent and critical tasks of agencies, organizations, units. Units only launch special topic (or phased) competition when they have clearly defined the time, purpose, requirements, indicators, content, and implementation methods.

Special topic competitions are organized within the banking sector. When conducting mid-term and final reviews of the competition movement for three years or more, units select outstanding collectives and individuals for commendation or propose the highest commendation as "Prime Minister's Commendation"; for five years or more, propose the highest commendation as "Labor Medal, Third Class".

Article 7. Registration for competition titles, signing competition agreements

1. Annually, large collectives specified in Article 3 of this Circular (hereinafter referred to as units) are responsible for organizing each collective and individual within the unit to register for competition and compile the competition registration form according to Form No. 01 attached to this Circular and send it to the State Bank (through the Department of Competition and Commendation) no later than February 28. Microfinance organizations send their competition title registration forms to the State Bank branch in the province or city under their management.

2. Annually, the leaders of Competition Groups organize the signing of competition agreements among units within the Competition Groups and send the signed competition agreement forms to the State Bank (through the Department of Competition and Commendation) no later than February 28. Indicators, contents, and organizational methods of competition must be agreed upon through the Competition Groups to ensure uniform implementation. Competition Groups are established by authorized bodies.

Article 8. Responsibilities for organizing the competition movement

1. The Governor launches, organizes, and directs the competition movement in the banking sector. The Department of Competition and Commendation is responsible for advising the Governor on launching, organizing, directing, and inspecting the implementation of competition movements launched by the Governor.

2. Heads of units (heads of units under the State Bank; legal representatives of credit institutions, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, enterprises managed by the State Bank; General Managers (Directors) of foreign bank branches; Secretaries-General of associations managed by the State Bank) are responsible for launching competitions, organizing competition movements, and summarizing and concluding competition movements within their units.

3. Leaders of Competition Groups are responsible for organizing the launch of competitions, supervising the implementation of competition movements among units within the Competition Groups, and organizing mid-term and final reviews of competition movements.

4. Party committees and mass organizations at all levels in the banking sector closely cooperate with unit heads to direct and implement competition movements.

5. Information and press agencies in the banking sector promote competition and commendation activities; accurately reflect the results of competition movements and commendation work; identify individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements in competition movements to set examples or introduce them to the Competition and Commendation Councils at various levels for commendation consideration; combat and criticize violations of laws related to competition and commendation in the banking sector.

Section 2

COMPETITION TITLES AND STANDARDS FOR COMPETITION TITLES

                                                                

Article 9. Honorary Titles for Competitions

1. For individuals: "Advanced Worker", "Competition Soldier at the Grassroots Level", "Competition Soldier in the Banking Sector", "National Competition Soldier".

2. For collectives: "Advanced Worker Collective", "Outstanding Worker Collective", "Competition Flag of the State Bank", "Competition Flag of the Government".

Article 10. The title "Advanced 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 guidelines and policies, State laws, regulations, and rules of the banking industry, the unit, and the locality; having self-reliance, solidarity, mutual assistance spirit, and actively participating in competition movements;

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

Point d) Having good morals and a healthy lifestyle.

Clause 2. Maternity leave time according to regulations shall be counted for the assessment of the title "Advanced Worker".

Clause 3. For individuals who bravely rescue people or property leading to injuries requiring treatment and convalescence, the treatment and convalescence period shall be counted for the award of the title "Advanced Worker".

Clause 4. For individuals transferred to new units, the new unit shall be responsible for assessing and electing the title "Advanced Worker". In cases where the individual has worked at the previous unit for six months or more, the opinion of the previous unit must be obtained. In cases where individuals are assigned or seconded to other agencies, organizations, or units for a certain period, the assessment and election of the title "Advanced Worker" shall be decided by the agency, organization, or unit assigning or seconding the individual, and confirmed by the receiving agency, organization, or unit.

Clause 5. Individuals dispatched to participate in short-term training or enhancement programs within or outside the country for less than one year, complying with the regulations of the training or enhancement institution, shall have their study period counted towards their work period at the unit for the assessment of the title "Advanced Worker". In cases where individuals are dispatched to participate in training or enhancement programs within or outside the country for one year or more, complying with the regulations of the training or enhancement institution and achieving satisfactory academic results, they shall be considered for the award of the title "Advanced Worker".

Clause 6. The title "Advanced Worker" shall not be awarded to individuals in any of the following situations: newly recruited for less than ten months, disciplined with a warning or higher.

Article 11. The title "Advanced Labor Collective"

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

Clause 1. Completing tasks and plans assigned satisfactorily.

Clause 2. Having regular, practical, and effective competition movements.

Clause 3. More than 50% of individuals in the collective achieving the title "Advanced Worker", and no individual being disciplined with a reprimand or higher for civil servants and public officials; no individual being disciplined with an extension of salary increase not exceeding six months, dismissal from office, or termination of employment for workers.

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

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:

Point a) Meeting the criteria for the title "Advanced Worker";

Point b) Proposing initiatives to increase labor productivity, improve work efficiency recognized by the unit or having scientific research topics that have been accepted and applied in the agency or unit.

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" in the unit.

Article 13. Titles "Outstanding Competitor in the Banking Industry" and "National Outstanding Competitor"

Clause 1. The title "Outstanding Competitor in the Banking Industry" shall be awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Having outstanding and exemplary achievements among those who have continuously received the title "Outstanding Competitor at the Base Level" for three consecutive times immediately preceding the time of commendation. An individual with "outstanding and exemplary achievements" is one who has been awarded the "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" or commended by the Prime Minister or the President during the period of consideration for the title "Outstanding Competitor in the Banking Industry";

b) Proposing innovative ideas or research topics in science and technology at the industry level.

Clause 2. The title "National Outstanding Competitor" shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 9 and Point a, Clause 1, Article 48 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP.

Article 14. Title "Outstanding Labor Collective"

Clause 1. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to outstanding collectives selected from those that have achieved the title "Advanced Labor Collective" and meet the following criteria:

a) Being creative, overcoming difficulties to excellently complete tasks and fulfill all obligations to the State;

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

c) All individuals within the collective completing their assigned tasks, of which at least 70% have achieved the title "Advanced Worker";

d) At least one individual achieving the title "Outstanding Competitor at the Base Level".

Clause 2. Collectives that excellently complete tasks as stipulated in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article shall be determined as follows:

a) Collectives under the State Bank: Excellently completing annual work plans and other tasks assigned by superiors; actively proposing suggestions for the establishment of regulations and policies of the State Bank; strictly adhering to reporting and statistical systems;

b) Collectives under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, and the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation: Excellently completing annual operational targets and plans; effectively conducting internal inspection and supervision activities; strictly adhering to state laws and regulations and the State Bank's rules and regulations;

c) Collectives under training units: Excellently completing all assigned targets and plans comprehensively; ensuring teaching quality; actively organizing and maintaining regular scientific research activities; strictly adhering to information reporting systems; effectively managing students; promptly preventing social evils from infiltrating schools and maintaining a clean educational environment; actively participating in community activities;

d) Collectives under enterprises managed by the State Bank: Excellently completing all assigned targets and plans comprehensively; strictly adhering to information reporting systems as prescribed; effectively conducting internal inspection and supervision activities;

đ) Permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank: Effectively promoting Party policies, state laws, and State Bank regulations; actively proposing suggestions for the establishment of regulations and policies in banking operations.

Article 15. Titles "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank" and "Flag of Excellence of the Government"

Clause 1. The title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Being outstanding and exemplary in the competition movement of the banking industry in each field, region, area, or system; excellently completing all assigned targets and tasks for the year; being recognized as leading units in competition groups within the banking industry; achieving the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" recognized by competent authorities;

b) Having new factors and models for other collectives in the same group, cluster, or entire system to learn from;

c) Strictly adhering to Party policies, state laws, State Bank regulations, unit regulations, and local regulations; maintaining internal unity, actively practicing thrift, combating corruption, waste, and other social evils.

Clause 2. The title "Flag of Excellence of the Government" shall be awarded annually to:

a) Outstanding and exemplary collectives leading among those that meet the criteria for the "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank," selected through annual competition movements. The number of collectives proposed for the "Flag of Excellence of the Government" shall not exceed 20% of the total number of collectives meeting the criteria for the "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank";

b) The most outstanding collectives in thematic competitions initiated by the President or the Prime Minister, evaluated, reviewed, and honored upon mid-term or final reviews over a period of five years or more.

Chapter III

RECOGNITION AND CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

  Article 16. Types of Awards

1. Awards based on achievements and accomplishments are forms of recognition given to collectives and individuals who have outstanding achievements or have excellently completed assigned tasks, contributing to the cause of national construction and defense.

2. Special topic awards (or campaign awards) are given to collectives and individuals who achieve outstanding results after the completion of a campaign initiated by the President, Prime Minister, Governor, or heads of units under the banking sector.

3. Unexpected awards are given to collectives and individuals who achieve unexpected merits in labor, production, combat service; bravery in rescuing people or state property (unexpected achievements are those made in unforeseen circumstances, outside planned programs or assigned tasks).

4. Awards for dedication are given to individuals who have participated in activities during revolutionary stages, held leadership positions in state agencies, public institutions, political organizations, and social-political organizations, with significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

5. Foreign awards are given to foreign collectives and individuals who contribute to the construction and defense of Vietnam through economic fields.

Article 17. Orders, Medals, "Prime Minister's Commendation", State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award"

The criteria for granting Orders, Medals, "Prime Minister's Commendation", State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", and "State Award" shall be implemented according to the provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards in 2003 (as amended and supplemented) and Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government.

 Article 18. "Governor's Commendation"

1. "Governor's Commendation" is awarded to individuals who serve as exemplary models in implementing the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, and banking regulations, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) For two consecutive years or more: completing tasks excellently or achieving outstanding results recognized in annual campaigns initiated by the Governor. During this period, they must have two recognized and effectively applied grassroots initiatives within their unit.

b) Achieving many notable results with significant impact in various areas of banking operations.

c) Achieving outstanding unexpected results.

d) Having worked in the banking sector for at least 25 years for men and 20 years for women, with five consecutive years immediately before retirement completing assigned tasks well, without disciplinary actions and not having received a "Governor's Commendation" or other state-level rewards.

2. "Governor's Commendation" is awarded to collectives that serve as exemplary models in implementing the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, and banking regulations, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) For two consecutive years or more, completing tasks excellently, maintaining internal unity, effectively practicing democratic regulations at the grassroots level, organizing good competition campaigns, caring for the material and spiritual lives of members, practicing thrift, and fully implementing all systems and policies.

b) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competitive campaigns.

c) Achieving outstanding unexpected results with significant impact in various areas of banking operations.

3. "Governor's Commendation" is awarded to collectives and individuals outside the banking sector who have made many direct and practical contributions to the operations of the banking sector.

Article 19. Commendation Certificate

The heads of units shall present commendation certificates to collectives and individuals in accordance with Articles 74 and 75 of the Law on Competition and Rewards 2003 (as amended and supplemented).

Article 20. Reward for dedication process

The form of reward for dedication process shall be presented or posthumously awarded to individuals in accordance with Articles 41 and 42 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP.

Chapter IV

REMEMBRANCE CHAPTER

                                                                             

Article 21. Remembrance Medal

1. The Remembrance Medal "For the Banking Industry of Vietnam" (hereinafter referred to as the Remembrance Medal) is a form of reward granted by the Governor to recognize the contributions of individuals within and outside the banking industry who have made significant contributions to the development of the banking industry.

2. The Remembrance Medal shall only be awarded once to an individual on the occasion of the annual anniversary of the founding of the Vietnamese Banking Industry (May 6).

 Article 22. Criteria for Awarding the Remembrance Medal

1. For bank employees

a) The Remembrance Medal shall be awarded to individuals who have performed their duties well and have worked in the banking industry for at least 20 years for males and 15 years for females;

b) Bank employees who are automatically eligible for the award or posthumous award of the Remembrance Medal include: bank employees recognized as martyrs; bank employees involved in the preparatory committee for the establishment of the State Bank of Vietnam; bank employees participating in the battlefield B from before 1968; bank employees awarded state honors such as "Golden Star Order", "Ho Chi Minh Order", "Independence Order" of various classes, "Hero of Labor", and leaders of the State Bank;

c) Bank employees prioritized for the award of the Remembrance Medal include: bank employees working from May 6, 1951 to May 7, 1954 and having continuous service of at least 10 years; bank employees participating in battlefields B, C, K during the anti-US resistance war before April 30, 1975, whose service time is counted double (one year equals two years) when considering the award; former bank employees who were assigned to military service, volunteer forces, study, or transferred to other sectors and then returned to work in the banking sector, their service time is still counted as continuous service in the banking sector when considering the award.

2. For individuals outside the banking industry

Individuals outside the banking industry may be considered for the award of the Remembrance Medal if they meet one of the following criteria:

a) They have contributed to leading and directing efforts that contribute to the construction and development of the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

b) They have proposed innovative ideas or scientific research projects of practical value for the activities of the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

c) They have contributed to building and consolidating cooperative relations between countries and international organizations and the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

d) They have made direct and practical material contributions to the development of the Vietnamese Banking Industry.

3. Foreign individuals who have worked in the Vietnamese Banking Industry for at least 10 years and have successfully completed their assigned tasks.

4. The Remembrance Medal shall not be awarded in the following cases:

a) Individuals who have been disciplined and dismissed from their positions;

b) Individuals who are currently being pursued by law enforcement agencies for criminal responsibility or are involved in criminal cases without a conclusion from the competent authority;

c) Individuals who have served or are serving a prison sentence (with or without suspended sentence) or undergoing non-custodial reform.

Chapter V

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND PRESENT AWARDS

PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING AND AWARDING REWARDS

Section 1

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND PRESENT AWARDS

Article 23. Authority to Decide on Bestowal of Merit Titles and Forms of Reward

1. The Governor decides to bestow:

a) The title "Progressive Worker" and "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" for comrades in the Leadership Board of the State Bank;

b) The title "Model Competitor in Banking";

c) The Flag of Competition of the State Bank;

d) Commendation certificates for collectives and individuals;

đ) The title "Outstanding Labor Collective";

e) Commemorative medals for individuals.

2. The Director of the State Bank branch in provinces and cities, and the Heads of units under the State Bank decide to bestow the title "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives; the titles "Advanced Worker", "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" for individuals under their management and commendation certificates.

3. The Head of the Inspection and Supervision Department decides to bestow the title "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives; the titles "Advanced Worker", "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" for individuals under their management and commendation certificates.

4. The Heads of units specified in Point a of Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5 of Article 3 of this Circular decide to bestow the title "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives; the titles "Advanced Worker", "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" for individuals under their management and commendation certificates.

5. The Governor delegates authority to the Heads:

a) Departments, Bureaus, units, permanent offices of Party organizations and mass organizations at the headquarters of the State Bank to decide to bestow the title "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives; the titles "Advanced Worker", "Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level" for individuals under their management.

b) State Bank branches in provinces and cities; Inspection and Supervision Offices to decide to bestow the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for small collectives under their management;

c) The Administrative Bureau; The Issue and Treasury Bureau; The Information Technology Bureau to decide to bestow the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for small collectives under the Sub-bureau;

d) Credit organizations (excluding microfinance institutions), foreign bank branches and the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation to decide to bestow the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for units;

đ) Units specified in Point a of Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5 of Article 3 of this Circular to decide to bestow the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for collectives under their management;

e) State Bank branches in provinces and cities to decide to bestow the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for microfinance institutions under their management.

 Article 24. Authority to Recognize Inventions

1. For inventions at the Sector level and nationwide level: The Sectoral Invention Council examines and evaluates the effectiveness of application and the scope of impact of the invention. Based on the review results of the Council, the Governor delegates authority to the Department Head of the Department of Mobilization and Rewards to decide to recognize Sectoral and Nationwide inventions.

2. For inventions at the grassroots level: The Grassroots Invention Council examines and evaluates the effectiveness of application and the scope of impact of the invention. Based on the review results of the Council, the Head of the unit decides to recognize grassroots inventions.

Article 25. Award Ceremony

1. The ceremony for awarding Orders, Medals, National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", "Flag of Competition of the Government", "National Model Competitor", and "Commendation Certificate of the Prime Minister" 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 commemorative days; award ceremonies and reception of reward forms and merit titles; diplomatic rituals and welcoming and receiving foreign guests.

2. For Orders, Medals, National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", "National Model Competitor": upon receipt of notification from the Department of Mobilization and Rewards, the Heads of units shall develop plans to organize the reception, report to the Governor (through the Department of Mobilization and Rewards). After receiving instructions from the Governor, the Department of Mobilization and Rewards shall be responsible for coordinating with the unit to organize the announcement and presentation.

3. For "Flag of Competition of the Government" and "Commendation Certificate of the Prime Minister": after receiving notification from the Department of Mobilization and Rewards, the Heads of units shall proactively develop plans and organize the presentation to collectives and individuals under their unit who have been rewarded. Before organizing, the unit shall inform the Department of Mobilization and Rewards for monitoring.

4. The organization of the announcement and presentation of national-level rewards to individuals and collectives at the headquarters of the State Bank shall be advised by the Department of Mobilization and Rewards to the Governor for decision.

5. For merit titles and reward forms within the authority of the Governor, the Governor delegates authority to the Heads of units to organize the announcement and presentation to collectives and individuals who have been rewarded.

The announcement and presentation of "Commendation Certificate of the Governor" and Commemorative Medals to collectives and individuals outside the banking sector shall be coordinated by the Heads of units with the Department of Mobilization and Rewards to report to the Governor for decision.

6. The announcement and presentation of merit titles and reward forms are occasions to honor good people and exemplary deeds, so the organization must ensure solemnity, effectiveness, economy, without ostentation, formality, or waste. When organizing, it should combine with other contents of the unit to save time and costs.

Section 2

PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND RECOMMENDATION FILES FOR REWARDS

Article 26. Commendation Procedures and Routes

1. The heads of units within the Banking Industry shall be responsible for commending or submitting commendations to higher authorities for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and workers under their management. The level that initiates competitive activities shall consider commendations or propose commendations to higher authorities for collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results.

2. Units within the Industry shall submit commendation proposal files directly at the One-Stop Service Unit of the State Bank of Vietnam, through postal service, or online submission to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Competitions and Commendations).

After receiving the commendation proposal files, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall be responsible for checking the legality of the files, assessing achievements, and submitting to the competent authority within twenty working days (thirty working days in cases requiring information for commendation assessment). If the files do not comply with regulations, they shall be notified or returned to the submitting unit within five working days from the date of receipt; the submitting unit shall be responsible for completing the files and resubmitting them to the Department of Competitions and Commendations within five working days from the date of receiving the returned files. For commendations based on merits and achievements, if the report on achievements for national-level commendation exceeds the prescribed time limit, additional achievements of the proposed collective or individual must be supplemented.

3. For the title "Heroic Laborer": The head of the unit shall submit to the Governor (through the Department of Competitions and Commendations) to seek approval for conferring the title "Heroic Laborer". The Department of Competitions and Commendations shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments, then submit to the Governor to seek approval for establishing a collective or individual as a "Heroic Laborer". Based on the Governor's opinion, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall issue a notification to the unit. After receiving the proposal file for conferring the title "Heroic Laborer", the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall check the file, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for review; based on the review results of the Council, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall submit to the Party Cadre Affairs Board of the State Bank of Vietnam for review before submitting to the Governor to propose to the competent authority for consideration.

4. For the titles "Outstanding Competitor in the Banking Industry" and "National Outstanding Competitor": after receiving the unit's files, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Banking Industry's Initiative Council and the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for review. Based on the review results of the Councils, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision. Specifically for "National Outstanding Competitor", it shall be submitted to the Party Cadre Affairs Board of the State Bank of Vietnam for review before submitting to the Governor to propose to the competent authority for consideration.

5. For the titles "Bank of Vietnam Competition Flag" and "Government Competition Flag": after receiving the unit's or Group, Cluster's files, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for review. Based on the review results of the Council, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision or proposing to the competent authority for consideration.

6. For Orders and Medals of various types and classes: after receiving the unit's files, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Banking Industry's Initiative Council and the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for review. Based on the review results of the Councils, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall submit to the Party Cadre Affairs Board of the State Bank of Vietnam for review before submitting to the Governor to propose to the competent authority for consideration.

7. For the "Prime Minister's Commendation": after receiving the unit's files, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for review. Based on the review results of the Council, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

8. For the titles "Excellent Labor Collective" and "Governor's Commendation": after receiving the unit's files, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

9. For commendations for individuals and collectives outside the Banking Industry: the head of the unit having direct business relations shall prepare a report along with the achievement report of the proposed individual or collective for commendation and send it to the Department of Competitions and Commendations. After receiving the unit's files, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

10. For the titles "People's Teacher", "Distinguished Teacher", "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award": these shall be implemented according to the provisions of the Law on Competitions and Commendations 2003, the Law Amending and Supplementing 2013, Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP, and other relevant state regulations.

11. For commendation titles and forms specified in Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this Article, when necessary, the Department of Competitions and Commendations shall seek opinions from related units before compiling and submitting for commendation. Specifically for the titles "Heroic Laborer", "National Outstanding Competitor", and commendation forms specified in Clause 6 and Clause 10 of this Article, public opinions shall be sought for the proposed collective or individual on the State Bank of Vietnam's electronic portal before submitting for commendation.

12. Annually, the Department of Competition and Awards shall cooperate with the Office of the State Bank to prepare files and propose commendation titles and forms of awards for the Comrades who are Leaders of the State Bank, to be submitted to the Industry's Competition and Awards Council for consideration and awarding.

13. Regarding awards for long-term dedication

a) In cases where officials have retired or passed away:

i) For officials who are Leaders of the State Bank who have retired or passed away, the Organization and Cadres Department shall be responsible for preparing the file to propose the award;

ii) For other cases, the Head of the unit managing the official before retirement or passing away shall be responsible for processing the application for the award. If the last working unit of the official eligible for the award has been dissolved, split, merged, or consolidated, then the Head of the unit receiving the tasks of that unit shall be responsible for preparing the file to propose the award;

iii) The Department of Competition and Awards shall be responsible for reviewing, summarizing, and obtaining confirmation opinions from the Organization and Cadres Department (except for cases proposed by the Organization and Cadres Department), submitting to the Industry's Competition and Awards Council for examination; based on the examination results of the Industry's Competition and Awards Council, the Department of Competition and Awards shall submit for the opinion of the Party Cadre Affairs Board before submitting to the Governor for decision;

b) In cases where officials are about to retire:

i) For officials who are Leaders of the State Bank who are about to retire, the State Bank Office shall be responsible for processing the application for the award according to regulations;

ii) For other cases, the Head of the unit shall prepare the file to propose the award for officials meeting the criteria within the unit. The Department of Competition and Awards shall summarize and obtain confirmation opinions from the Organization and Cadres Department (except for cases proposed by the Organization and Cadres Department), submitting to the Industry's Competition and Awards Council for examination, then submitting for the opinion of the Party Cadre Affairs Board before submitting to the Governor for decision;

c) The Organization and Cadres Department shall be responsible for confirming in writing the time of holding positions and disciplinary measures, reasons, and time of being disciplined (if any) and equivalent positions of the person proposed for the award; coordinating with related units to resolve complaints (if any) regarding the award for officials with long-term dedication in the banking industry;

14. Regarding Commemorative Medals

a) For officials currently working in the banking industry: the Heads of units managing officials (including those who have retired, passed away, or transferred jobs) shall prepare reports along with files of cases meeting the criteria and correct targets according to regulations and send them to the Department of Competition and Awards;

b) For officials outside the banking industry: the Comrades who are Leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly, Government shall be proposed by the State Bank Office. Individuals belonging to Ministries, agencies, mass organizations at the central level; foreigners working in Vietnam, Vietnamese working abroad shall be proposed by the Heads of Departments, Bureaus, and units under the State Bank directly related to their work. The Comrades who are Leaders of Provincial Party Committees, Municipal Party Committees, People's Councils, Provincial People's Committees, and individuals working locally with significant contributions to the banking industry shall be proposed by the Governors of State Bank Branches in provinces and cities. In special cases, the Department of Competition and Awards shall propose and submit to the Governor for decision on awarding;

c) For the subjects mentioned in Points a and b of this Clause, the Department of Competition and Awards shall be responsible for reviewing the files, submitting to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Awards Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision;

15. State Bank Branches in provinces and cities shall examine and award or propose the Governor to award special topics, unexpected awards, and Commemorative Medals to collectives and individuals under Credit Cooperatives within their management areas;

16. For collectives and individuals under microfinance organizations: State Bank Branches in provinces and cities where the main office of the microfinance organization is located shall examine and award or propose the competent authority to award.

Article 27. Principles for Establishing Files

1. Reports on achievements and summaries of achievements of collectives and individuals proposed for commendation must bear the stamp of the unit proposing the commendation (if applicable).

2. For units with the obligation to pay state budget revenues and implement social insurance policies for workers, when submitting commendations for collectives or individuals who are Heads of Units and Branch Directors of credit organizations, the application file for commendation must include a confirmation document from the competent authority. Specifically, for titles of excellence and forms of commendation within the authority of the Governor, the Head of the Unit shall be responsible for confirming the contents in the achievement report (the confirmation documents on tax and social insurance from the competent authority shall be kept at the unit).

3. For credit organizations and enterprises under the management of the State Bank (legal entities), when submitting commendations, there must be an audit conclusion from the auditing body during the period proposed for commendation (for commendations within the authority of the Governor, the audit conclusions correspond to the time periods corresponding to the examination of titles of excellence and forms of commendation; for national-level commendations, the audit conclusions must cover a five-year period immediately preceding the date of the commendation proposal).

Article 28. Application Files for Titles of Excellence

1. Titles of excellence and forms of commendation within the decision-making authority of Heads of Units or delegated by the Governor, the Heads of Units shall base on the Law on Competition and Commendation 2003 (amended and supplemented), Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP, and this Circular to implement within their units.

2. The application file for conferring the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" includes:

a) A document proposing recognition of the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level";

b) Report on achievements of the individual;

c) Proposal for recognition of innovation (Form 09 attached to this Circular) or decision recognizing scientific research projects;

d) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Competition and Commendation Council of the unit with a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are obtained in writing).

3. The application file for conferring the title "Model Worker in Banking Industry" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Summary report on achievements of the individual proposed for commendation (Form 14 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) A document proposing recognition of the effectiveness and scope of influence of innovations along with a summary of innovations at the industry level of the individual (Forms 07, 08 attached to this Circular) or decision recognizing scientific research projects at the industry level;

d) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Competition and Commendation Council of the unit with a voting rate of 90% or more, based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are obtained in writing).

4. The application file for conferring the title "National Model Worker" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Three reports on achievements of the individual with confirmation from the unit proposing commendation (Form 13 attached to this Circular);

c) A document proposing recognition of the effectiveness and scope of influence of innovations along with a summary of innovations at the national level of the individual or decision recognizing scientific research projects (Forms 07, 08 attached to this Circular);

d) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Competition and Commendation Council of the unit with a voting rate of 90% or more, based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are obtained in writing).

5. The application file for conferring the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" (applicable to collectives recognized by the Governor) includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Summary report on achievements of the collective proposed for commendation (Form 15 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Competition and Commendation Council of the unit with a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are obtained in writing).

6. The application file for conferring the title "Flag of Merit of the State Bank" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit or the Leader of the Competition Group or Cluster accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Summary report on achievements of the collective proposed for commendation (Form 15 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Minutes of meeting of the Competition Council, Group, or Cluster with secret ballot results having a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Council, Group, or Cluster (if members are absent, opinions are obtained in writing).

7. The application file for conferring the title "Flag of Merit of the Government" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit or the Leader of the Competition Group or Cluster accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Three reports on achievements of the collective with confirmation from the unit proposing commendation (Form 12 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of meeting of the Competition Council, Group, or Cluster with secret ballot results having a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Council, Group, or Cluster (if members are absent, opinions are obtained in writing).

8. The application file for conferring the title "Hero of Labor" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of collectives and individuals proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Four reports on achievements of the collective and individual proposed for commendation with confirmation from the unit proposing commendation (Forms 17, 18 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Competition and Commendation Council of the unit with a voting rate of 90% or more, based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are obtained in writing).

 Article 29. Documents for Proposing Forms of Awards

          1. "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" for groups and individuals, the documents include:

            a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

 b) A summary report on achievements of the group and individual proposed for award (Forms No. 14 and 15 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit. For the "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" specified in Point d, Clause 1, Article 18 of this Circular, the summary report on achievements shall be made according to Form No. 14a attached to this Circular.

 c) Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Award Council of the unit.

  2. "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister" for groups and individuals, the documents include:

  a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

  b) Three reports on achievements of the group and individual with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Forms No. 12 and 13 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of the meeting with the results of secret ballot of the Competition and Award Council of the unit with a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing).

3. Medals of various types and classes for individuals, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Four reports on achievements of the individual with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Form No. 13 attached to this Circular);

c) A document proposing recognition of the effectiveness of application and scope of influence of industry-level or nationwide initiatives along with a summary of the industry-level or nationwide initiative (Forms No. 07 and 08 attached to this Circular);

d) Minutes of the meeting with the results of secret ballot of the Competition and Award Council of the unit with a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing).

4. Medals of various types and classes for groups, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Four reports on achievements of the group with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Form No. 12 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of the meeting with the results of secret ballot of the unit's Competition and Award Council with a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing).

5. Medals, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of proposed awards (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) A brief list of cases proposed for award with confirmation from the unit proposing the award.

6. Immediate awards, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) A report on achievements of the group and individual prepared by the unit proposing the award. In case of proposing "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", the achievement report is three copies; for Medals, the achievement report is four copies (Form No. 19 attached to this Circular);

 7. Periodic awards (special topics), the documents include:

 a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

 b) Minutes of the meeting of the unit's Competition and Award Council;

c) A report on achievements of the group and individual with confirmation from the unit proposing the award. In case of proposing "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", the achievement report is three copies; for Medals, the achievement report is four copies (Form No. 20 attached to this Circular).

8. Awards for long-term contributions, the documents include:

 a) For retired or deceased officials

i) A proposal from the head of the unit (for officials who are leaders of the State Bank, submitted by the Department of Organization and Cadres) accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

ii) Four reports on achievements of the individual with confirmation from the unit proposing the award. In case of deceased officials who meet the criteria for award, the unit proposing the award shall proactively coordinate with the Department of Organization and Cadres to prepare the achievement report for submission (Form No. 16 attached to this Circular).

b) For officials nearing retirement

i) A proposal from the head of the unit (for officials who are leaders of the State Bank, submitted by the Department of Competition and Award) for award accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

ii) Four reports on achievements of the individual with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Form No. 16 attached to this Circular);

iii) Minutes of the meeting of the unit's Competition and Award Council (except for awards for the leadership of the State Bank).

9. Awards outside the industry, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit directly related to the group and individual accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

 b) A report on achievements of the group and individual for the banking industry with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Form No. 21 attached to this Circular).

10. Commemorative medals, the documents include:

a) For officials within the banking industry

  i) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for award (Form No. 03 attached to this Circular);

ii) A table of the work history of the individual. For Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development, Vietnam Agricultural and Rural Development Bank, Vietnam Microfinance Bank, Vietnam Cooperative Bank, Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, and People's Credit Funds, they do not send the table of the work history of the individual to the State Bank but the proposing unit is responsible for keeping and storing it (Form No. 04 attached to this Circular);

iii) List of declarations from the unit (Form No. 05 attached to this Circular).

 b) For officials outside the banking sector

 i) The proposal for commendation by the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 03 attached to this Circular);

ii) A summary of achievements and contributions to the development of the Vietnamese banking industry, confirmed by the unit proposing commendation (Form No. 06 attached to this Circular).

Article 30. Time for Receiving Applications

1. Annual Commendations

 a) For titles of honor and forms of commendation within the authority of the Governor: applications must be received before February 28 each year. Training units must submit applications before August 15 each year; for the "Memorial Medal for the Vietnamese Banking Industry," applications must be submitted before February 28 each year.

 b) For titles of honor and forms of commendation at the state level:

 i) "Flag of Government Competition": applications must be received before February 28 each year;

 ii) "National Labor Medalist", "Prime Minister's Commendation", Medals, Orders of various types and classes: applications must be received before March 15 each year;

iii) Training units: applications must be received before August 15 each year;

 iv) "Hero of Labor": evaluation is organized every five years during the National Patriotic Labor Movement Congresses, except in cases of outstanding and exceptional achievements;

 v) "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher", "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize": carried out according to the regulations of the competent state agencies.

c) For titles of honor and forms of commendation within the authority of the heads of units: the heads of units shall specify.

2. Commendations for Outstanding Achievements: applications must be received immediately after a collective or individual achieves an outstanding achievement.

 3. Special Topic Commendations: applications must be received immediately after the completion of a program or special topic work.

4. Commendations for Long-term Contributions: applications must be received six months prior to retirement for officials preparing to retire. For retired officials, applications must be submitted before March 15 each year.

5. For cases of commendation based on the criteria set forth in Point d, Clause 1, Article 18 of this Circular: applications must be received up to six months before retirement. For retired officials, applications must be submitted before March 15 each year.

 Article 31. Number of "Bank of Vietnam Flag of Competition"

  1. For Departments, Bureaus, and units at the headquarters of the Bank of Vietnam, and enterprises managed by the Bank of Vietnam: annually, the Governor awards the "Bank of Vietnam Flag of Competition" to leading units in each competition group. The determination of units in each competition group is implemented according to the Governor's decision. For units under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, the Governor annually awards the Flag of Competition to the leading unit in the competition activities of the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency.

 2. For Branches of the Bank of Vietnam in provinces and cities: annually, the Governor awards the Flag of Competition to outstanding units in each competition cluster. The determination of units in each cluster is implemented according to the Governor's decision.

 3. For credit organizations, foreign bank branches, the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other units in the banking sector: annually, based on the results and scale of each unit, the Bank of Vietnam will notify the number of Flags of Competition for each unit.

4. For the Training Group: annually, the Governor awards the Flag of Competition to outstanding units in the competition activities.

5. Collectives eligible for the Flag of Competition include: large collectives specified in Article 3 of this Circular; Departments, Bureaus, and Offices under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency; Branches and subsidiaries of credit organizations; Branches of the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; Institutes under the Training Group.

Chapter VI

COMPETITION AND REWARD FUNDS, RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS OF RECIPIENTS OF REWARDS

AND STATE MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPETITION AND REWARD WORK

COMPETITION AND REWARD FUNDS

Section 1

FUND FOR COMPETITION AND REWARD

Article 32. Fund for Competition and Awards

 

The sources, allocation levels, and management and utilization of the competition and awards fund shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 65, 66, and 67 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP and related guiding documents.

Article 33. Principles for Calculating Awards and Responsibility for Award Payments

1. Principles for calculating awards: Implemented in accordance with Article 68 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP.

2. Responsibility for award payments

a) For groups and individuals awarded by the Prime Minister or the President:

i) For groups and individuals under the State Bank of Vietnam (excluding public service units), the State Bank of Vietnam shall pay the awards;

ii) For groups and individuals under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, permanent offices of associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, the unit having the group or individual receiving the award shall be responsible for paying the award;

b) For groups and individuals awarded by the Governor:

i) For groups and individuals under the State Bank of Vietnam (excluding public service units) and groups and individuals outside the banking sector, the awards shall be drawn from the State Bank of Vietnam's award fund;

ii) For groups and individuals under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, permanent offices of associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, the awards shall be drawn from the award fund of the respective unit;

c) For groups and individuals awarded by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces or cities: the awards shall be drawn from the award fund of the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces or cities (except for groups and individuals under credit organizations);

d) For groups and individuals under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, permanent offices of associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam who are awarded by the head of the unit, the awards shall be drawn from the award fund of the respective unit.

3. The amount of awards accompanying commendation titles and forms of recognition shall be implemented according to Articles 69 to 74 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP and related guiding documents.

 

Section 2

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS

 Article 34. Rights and Obligations of Groups and Individuals in Competition and Awards

1. Rights of groups and individuals in competition and awards.

a) Participate in competition movements initiated by the State, the State Bank of Vietnam, agencies, organizations, and units;

b) Propose to be considered for commendation titles and forms of recognition in accordance with the provisions of the law;

c) Have the right to provide opinions or propose competent authorities to consider granting commendation titles and forms of recognition to groups and individuals meeting the required achievements and standards stipulated by law, and vice versa;

d) Annually, individuals who have been awarded will be considered for early salary increases, priority enrollment in study, research, and professional development programs, and domestic and international tours, planning, appointment, and reappointment to positions.

2. Obligations of groups and individuals in competition and awards.

a) Strictly comply with the laws and regulations of the State, the State Bank of Vietnam, agencies, organizations, and units regarding competition and awards work;

b) Groups and individuals who have received awards have the obligation to preserve award items and not lend them to others for actions that violate the law;

c) Refuse to accept titles or forms of recognition that are not commensurate with achievements and do not meet the prescribed standards and procedures set forth by law;

d) Have the responsibility to identify individuals with outstanding achievements, exemplary models, and typical examples to promptly propose for recognition or report and denounce groups and individuals engaging in fraudulent behavior or violations of the law on competition and awards.

Section 3

STATE MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITION AND AWARDS

 

Article 35. Propaganda, Popularization, and Widespread Promotion of Advanced Examples

1. The Department of Competition and Awards shall advise the Governor to develop plans and organize the implementation of propaganda work on President Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on competition and patriotism, the Party's policies, and State laws on competition and awards; commend and honor advanced examples in various competition movements throughout the entire Sector.

2. Units within the Banking Sector shall develop plans and organize propaganda for the widespread promotion of advanced examples, good people and deeds, select collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in competition movements for commendation, honor, awards, or recommendation for awards.

Article 36. Training and Capacity Building

The Department of Competition and Awards shall develop plans to organize training and capacity building in specialized knowledge and skills for staff working in competition and award activities of large collectives as stipulated in Article 3 of this Circular. Large collectives shall develop plans and organize training in competition and award activities for grassroots collectives and small collectives under their jurisdiction based on specific requirements and conditions.

Article 37. Inspection of Competition and Award Activities

1. The Department of Competition and Awards shall be responsible for inspecting competition and award activities in all units within the Sector.

2. Heads of units shall be responsible for inspecting competition and award activities within the scope of units they manage.

Chapter VII

COMPETITION AND AWARD COUNCIL

AT ALL LEVELS AND THE INNOVATION COUNCIL

Article 38. Competition and Award Councils at Various Levels in the Banking Sector

1. The State Bank of Vietnam shall establish a Competition and Award Council for the Banking Sector and an Innovation Council for the Banking Sector.

2. Units shall establish Competition and Award Councils and Innovation Councils for their respective units.

Article 39. Composition of the Competition and Award Council for the Banking Sector

1. Chairman: Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

2. First Vice-Chairman: Deputy Governor in charge of competition and award activities in the Banking Sector.

3. Permanent Vice-Chairman: Director of the Department of Competition and Awards.

4. Members: Directors of the Department of Organization and Cadres, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Central Bank Party Committee, Permanent Vice-Chairman of the Vietnam Bank Union, Director of the State Bank Office, Director of the Inspectorate, Head of Internal Audit Department, Director of Monetary Policy Department, Director of Finance and Accounting Department, Deputy Director of the Department of Competition and Awards.

5. Secretary: Specialist of the Department of Competition and Awards.

Article 40. Composition of the Competition and Award Councils of Units Under the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: Head of the unit.

2. Vice-Chairman: Deputy Head of the unit.

3. Members: Representatives of the Party Committee (Branch Committee), Chairperson of the Trade Union, and other members who are key cadres of the unit decided by the Head of the unit on the principle that the total number of Council members (Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, and Members) does not exceed nine persons. For the Inspectorate, the total number of Council members shall not exceed thirteen persons, and the Inspector shall decide on the establishment of the Competition and Award Councils of Departments, Bureaus, and subordinate units.

4. Secretary: Staff member working in competition and award activities.

Article 41. Members of the Commendation Council of Credit Institutions, Branches of Foreign Banks, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Enterprises under the Management of the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: Chairman of the Board of Directors or Chairman of the Board of Members. For the Social Policy Bank, the Chairman is the General Director, for foreign bank branches it is the General Director (Director).

2. Vice-Chairman: General Director (Director). For the Social Policy Bank and foreign bank branches, it is the Deputy General Director (Deputy Director).

3. Members: Representatives of the Party Committee (Branch Committee), Chairman of the Trade Union, and other members who are key officials of the unit, decided by the Head of the Unit. The total number of Council members shall not exceed thirteen people.

4. Secretary: Deputy Head of the Department (Office) of Commendation or staff responsible for commendation work.

 Article 42. Members of the Commendation Council of Permanent Offices of Associations under the Management of the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: General Secretary.

2. Vice-Chairman: Chairman of the Trade Union.

3. Other members are decided by the Head of the Unit. The total number of Council members shall not exceed nine people.

4. Secretary: Staff member working in competition and award activities.

Article 43. Members of the Initiative Council of the Banking Industry

1. Chairman: Deputy Governor in charge of commendation work in the banking industry.

2. Acting Vice-Chairman: Director of the Department of Commendation.

3. Members and Secretary are proposed by the Department of Commendation and submitted to the Governor for decision.

Article 44. Members of the Initiative Council of Units

1. Chairman: Head of the unit.

2. Vice-Chairman: Deputy Head of the Unit.

3. Members and Secretary are decided by the Head of the Unit.

Article 45. Principles of Operation, Tasks, and Authorities of the Commendation Council and the Initiative Council

1. The principles of operation, tasks, and authorities of the Commendation Council and the Initiative Council of the Banking Industry shall be implemented according to the working regulations stipulated by the Governor.

2. The principles of operation, tasks, and authorities of the Commendation Council and the Initiative Council of units shall be implemented according to the working regulations stipulated by the Head of the Unit.

 

Chapter VIII

MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITION AND RECOGNITION FILES

AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECOGNITION RESULTS

 

 Article 46. File Management

1. The Department of Commendation is responsible for managing files and documents related to commendation titles and rewards within the authority of the Governor and above.

2. Units are responsible for managing and storing files related to competition and recognition work as prescribed.

Article 47. Announcement of Recognition Results

Annually, the Department of Commendation is responsible for announcing the results of recognition awards to units that have applied for recognition.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 48. Report on Competition and Recognition Work

1. At the end of each year's activities, units must summarize and evaluate their competition and recognition work and submit written reports to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Commendation) before February 15 of the following year. For the Banking Academy and the University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City, reports must be submitted before August 15 annually. The outline for the report on summarizing competition and recognition work is attached as Form No. 29 in this Circular.

2. When launching competitions, units must send out competition announcements, and after each competition campaign, units must submit summary reports to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Commendation) for monitoring and as a basis for recognizing awards.

3. Microfinance organizations must send out competition announcements and submit summary reports on competition and recognition work to the State Bank of Vietnam branch in their province or city for monitoring and consolidation, then report to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Commendation).

  Article 49. Responsibilities of Units

1. The Department of Awards and Commendations shall be responsible for proposing the Governor to decide on:

a) The maximum non-performing loan ratio for consideration in awarding commendations to credit institutions, branches of credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are Managers or Directors of credit institutions, General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches;

b) The specific number of flags of excellence for each Group, Cluster, and unit;

c) The ratio of commendation for the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for units.

2. The Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency shall be responsible for providing information to serve the work of considering commendations according to Model No. 22 attached to this Circular for credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are Managers or Directors of credit institutions, General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches requesting commendations within the Governor's authority and national-level commendations.

3. The State Bank Branches in provinces and cities shall be responsible for providing information to serve the work of considering commendations according to Model No. 22 attached to this Circular for collective branches of credit institutions and individuals who are Directors or Deputy Directors of branch credit institutions requesting commendations within the Governor's authority and national-level commendations.

4. Departments, Bureaus, and related units under the State Bank shall be responsible for providing information to serve the work of considering commendations for collectives and individuals under the State Bank, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, Training Group, Standing Office of Associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank.

5. The Department of Communications shall be responsible for publishing public information on the State Bank's electronic portal regarding collectives and individuals proposed for commendations with various Orders, ranks, honorary titles of the State, and the title "National Model Worker".

6. The Department of Finance and Accounting shall be responsible for coordinating with the Department of Awards and Commendations in guiding the use of the competition and commendation fund, paying bonuses according to regulations, and compiling revenue and expenditure figures to send to the Department of Awards and Commendations before June 30 and December 31 each year.

7. Heads of units specified in Point a of Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Article 3 of this Circular shall be responsible for guiding regulations on competition and commendation work suitable to the scale and nature of their unit's activities.

Article 50. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from December 16, 2019, and replaces Circular No. 08/2018/TT-NHNN dated March 30, 2018, issued by the Governor of the State Bank guiding competition and commendation work in the banking sector.

Article 51. Implementation

The Director of the Office, Heads of units under the State Bank, Chairmen of the Board of Directors, Chairmen of the Board of Members, and General Directors (Directors) of credit institutions, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, enterprises managed by the State Bank, Secretaries-General of Associations managed by the State Bank are responsible for implementing this Circular./.