Circular No. 20/2025/TT-BVHTTDL stipulates the work of competition and reward in fields under the management of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS ON COMPETITION AND REWARD WORK IN SECTORS UNDER THE DOMESTIC MANAGEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

Pursuant to the Law on Competition and Reward No. 06/2022/QH15;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 43/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 28, 2025, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025, stipulating the delegation of authority and power in competition and reward sectors; detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward;

The phrase "or examination" is abolished pursuant to Clause 6, Article 8 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025, of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing certain articles of Circulars prescribing job codes, qualification standards, and salary grades for civil servants in the heritage culture, library, grassroots cultural activities, sports, fine arts, art performance, film, and cultural propaganda sectors, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism promulgates this Circular regulating competition and reward work in sectors under the domestic management of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular details the implementation of Clause 4 Article 24; Clause 3 Article 26; Clause 3 Article 27; Clause 3 Article 28; Clause 2 Article 71; Clause 6 Article 74; Clause 2 Article 75; Clause 6 Article 84 of the Law on Competition and Reward 2022; stipulates the contents delegated according to Clause 2 Article 6 of the Government Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025, stipulating the delegation of authority and power in competition and reward sectors; detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward in sectors under the domestic management of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (hereinafter referred to as the Sector).

Article 2. Applicability

1. Civil servants, public officials, employees, and workers and collectives at agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (hereinafter referred to as agencies and units under the Ministry);

2. Individuals and collectives under Provincial Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Provincial Departments of Culture and Sports, and Provincial Tourism Departments of centrally governed cities;

3. Individuals, collectives, and households with outstanding achievements and contributions to the construction and development of the Sector.

Article 3. Competition Groups, Clusters

1. Annually, the Department of Organization and Cadres shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to submit to the Minister for decision:

a) Establishing Competition Groups comprising agencies and units under the Ministry and Clusters comprising Provincial Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Provincial Departments of Culture and Sports, and Provincial Tourism Departments of centrally governed cities based on their characteristics, positions, functions, tasks, and nature of work.

b) Recognizing Group Leaders, Deputy Group Leaders, Cluster Leaders, and Deputy Cluster Leaders upon the proposal of Competition Groups and Clusters (hereinafter referred to as Groups and Clusters).

2. Groups and Clusters have the following responsibilities:

a) Organizing the launch and signing of competition agreements; organizing mid-term and final reviews of competitions initiated by the Ministry;

b) Formulating directions, contents, targets, measures for organizing competitions; building and promoting exemplary models and advanced examples;

c) Evaluating, reviewing, and recommending outstanding collectives with excellent or distinguished achievements within Groups and Clusters from highest to lowest, and reporting to the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council for consideration, submission to the Minister for decision, or submission to competent authorities for rewards as prescribed.

3. Group Leaders and Cluster Leaders shall take the lead in implementing activities of Groups and Clusters; chairing and concluding meetings of Groups and Clusters; proposing rewards as prescribed.

4. Deputy Group Leaders and Deputy Cluster Leaders shall assist Group Leaders and Cluster Leaders in implementing activities of Groups and Clusters when authorized or assigned. Deputy Group Leaders and Deputy Cluster Leaders shall be responsible to Group Leaders and Cluster Leaders for the performance of assigned or delegated tasks and powers.

Article 4. Recognition of the level of completion of tasks for individuals and collectives under the management of the Ministry

The recognition of the level of completion of tasks for individuals and collectives under the management of the Ministry shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants, the Law on Public Officials, Government Decrees, regulations of the Ministry, and related regulations on the evaluation and classification of quality for collectives and civil servants, public officials, and employees of the Ministry.

Chapter II

CRITERIA, OBJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS, FORMS OF REWARD

Article 5. Criteria for awarding the title "Advanced Worker"

1. The title "Advanced Worker" is awarded annually to individuals at agencies and units under the Ministry during the end of the working year or academic year (for training institutions), ensuring full compliance with the criteria stipulated in Clause 1, Article 24 of the Law on Competitions and Awards.

2. The assessment for the title "Advanced Worker" for specific cases is implemented according to the provisions of Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BNV dated August 4, 2025, issued by the Minister of Home Affairs detailing measures to organize and guide the implementation of the Law on Competitions and Awards and Government Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025, concerning the delegation of authority in the field of competitions and awards; detailed regulations and guidance on implementing certain articles of the Law on Competitions and Awards (Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BNV).

3. The title "Advanced Worker" will not be awarded to individuals in the following cases:

a) Individuals who have a total non-participation time in work as prescribed by law for three months or more during the award period, except those on maternity leave as stipulated in Clause 5, Article 4 of Government Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 14, 2025, concerning the delegation of authority in the field of competitions and awards; detailed regulations and guidance on implementing certain articles of the Law on Competitions and Awards (Government Decree No. 152/2025/NĐ-CP);

b) Individuals newly recruited or signing their first labor contract with less than six months of service as stipulated in Point d, Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BNV.

Article 6. Criteria and objects for consideration of the award of the "Ministry Flag of Competition"

1. The title "Ministry Flag of Competition" is awarded annually at the end of the working year to leading collectives in the competition movement organized by the Ministry's Cluster or Sector, meeting the full criteria stipulated in Clause 1, Article 26 of the Law on Competitions and Awards.

2. The title "Ministry Flag of Competition" is awarded to leading collectives in specialized competition movements initiated by the Ministry when concluding such movements, provided they have been ongoing for three years or more.

3. The objects for consideration of the award of the "Ministry Flag of Competition" include outstanding collectives leading the competition movement in the Ministry's Cluster or Sector and specialized competition movements initiated by the Minister, including:

a) Agencies and units under the Ministry;

b) Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Departments of Culture and Sports, and Tourism Departments of provinces and centrally-administered cities.

Article 7. Criteria and objects for consideration of the award of the "Outstanding Labor Collective"

1. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" is awarded annually at the end of the working year or academic year (for training institutions) to collectives meeting the criteria stipulated in Clause 1, Article 27 of the Law on Competitions and Awards.

2. The objects for consideration of the award of the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" include:

a) Agencies and units under the Ministry;

b) Departments and equivalent units within the agencies and units specified in point a of this clause.

Article 8. Standards and Recipients for Awarding the Title "Advanced Labor Collective"

1. The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually at the end of the working year or academic year (for training institutions) to collectives meeting the standards prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 28 of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward.

2. The recipients for awarding the title "Advanced Labor Collective" include:

a) Agencies and units under the Ministry;

b) Departments and equivalent units within the agencies and units specified in point a of this clause.

Article 9. Standards for Awarding Commendation Certificates by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism 1. Commendation Certificates of the Ministry shall be awarded to individuals who model compliance with Party guidelines, State policies and laws and fall under one of the following cases:

a) Individuals working in agencies and units under the Ministry meeting the standards prescribed in Points a, b, c, or d of Clause 1 of Article 74 of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward;

b) Individuals achieving outstanding results in national or international competitions, festivals, exhibitions within the scope of the Ministry's state management functions or achieving outstanding results during themed campaigns launched by the Ministry;

c) Individuals having worked for at least 10 years in agencies and units under the Ministry, making significant contributions to their development, selected from those recognized as having satisfactorily completed their tasks for five consecutive years prior to the time of recommendation, including at least one recognition of outstanding completion of tasks or two times receiving the title "Model Worker at the Base Level". Such individuals may be recommended for commendation certificates on the occasion of the anniversary of the establishment or traditional day of the agency or unit (anniversary year);

d) Individuals working in agencies and units under the Ministry who have been evaluated as satisfactorily completing their tasks for five consecutive years prior to retirement, including at least one recognition of outstanding completion of tasks;

đ) Individuals outside the sector who have achieved outstanding results contributing to the construction and development of the sector.

2. Commendation Certificates of the Ministry shall be awarded to collectives that model compliance with Party guidelines, State policies and laws, maintain internal unity, and fall under one of the following cases:

a) Collectives within the Competition Group meeting one of the standards prescribed in Clause 3 of Article 74 of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward;

b) Collectives within the Competition Clusters meeting the standard prescribed in Point a of Clause 3 of Article 74 of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward and being awarded annually at the end of the working year of the Ministry;

c) Collectives achieving outstanding results in national or international competitions, festivals, exhibitions within the scope of the Ministry's state management functions or results that serve as exemplary models within the Ministry or the sector, or achieving outstanding results during themed campaigns launched by the Ministry;

d) Collectives established and developed for at least 10 years, achieving outstanding results and contributing to the development of the sector, recommended for commendation certificates on the occasion of the anniversary of the establishment or traditional day of the agency or unit (anniversary year);

đ) Collectives outside the sector who have achieved outstanding results contributing to the construction and development of the sector.

3. Commendation Certificates of the Ministry shall be awarded to families that model compliance with Party guidelines, State policies and laws, and make significant contributions in areas within the scope of the Ministry's state management functions.

4. Special cases shall be examined and decided upon by the Minister.

4. Special cases shall be examined and decided by the Minister.

Article 10. Criteria for awarding Certificates of Merit by the Heads of agencies and units with legal personality under the Ministry

1. The Certificate of Merit by the Head of an agency or unit with legal personality under the Ministry shall be awarded to individuals who set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines, State policies and laws, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Individuals working at agencies and units who have performed their tasks well or achieved many merits or outstanding achievements in the fields managed by these agencies and units;

b) Individuals who have achieved merits in competitions, festivals, exhibitions organized by the Ministry or agencies and units, or who have been recognized for achievements during themed campaigns initiated by the Ministry or agencies and units;

c) Individuals who have worked at agencies and units for five years or more, made significant contributions to the development of these agencies and units, and are considered for awards on the occasion of the anniversary of establishment or traditional day of the unit (anniversary year);

d) Individuals outside the Sector who have made significant contributions to the construction and development of agencies and units or in the fields managed by these agencies and units.

2. The Certificate of Merit by the Head of an agency or unit shall be awarded to exemplary groups that implement the Party's guidelines, State policies and laws, maintain internal unity, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Groups within agencies and units under the Ministry that perform their tasks well or better; effectively implement grassroots democracy, organize good competition movements; care for the material and spiritual life of group members, practice thrift, and combat waste; fully implement systems and policies for all members of the group;

b) Groups that have achieved merits in competitions, festivals, exhibitions organized by the Ministry or agencies and units, or that have been recognized for achievements during themed campaigns initiated by the Ministry or agencies and units;

c) Groups that have contributed to the development of the unit and are considered for awards on the occasion of the anniversary of establishment or traditional day of the unit (anniversary year);

d) Groups outside the Sector that have made significant contributions to the construction and development of agencies and units or in the fields managed by these agencies and units.

3. The Certificate of Merit by the Head of an agency or unit shall be awarded to exemplary families that implement the Party's guidelines, State policies and laws, and make significant contributions to society in the fields managed by the State through agencies and units.

4. Other cases shall be decided by the Head of the agency or unit.

Article 11. Name and Recipients of the Commemorative Medal of the Ministry

1. Name of the Commemorative Medal

The Commemorative Medal "For the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Cause" (hereinafter referred to as the Commemorative Medal) is a form of reward presented by the Minister to recognize and encourage individuals who have made significant contributions to the construction and development of the Sector.

2. Recipients of the Commemorative Medal

a) Individuals working at agencies and units under the Ministry;

b) Individuals working at units under or directly under Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Departments of Culture and Sports, and Departments of Tourism in provinces/cities;

c) Individuals outside the Sector who have made significant contributions to the construction and development of culture, sports and tourism;

d) Individuals who are overseas Vietnamese or foreigners who have positively contributed to the construction and development of the Sector;

đ) The Commemorative Medal is only awarded once.

Article 12. Criteria for awarding Commemorative Medals

1. For individuals within the Industry

a) Having worked for at least 20 years for males and at least 15 years for females (including time spent studying or performing military service).

b) In cases where early consideration for award is granted according to the following situations:

Working in particularly difficult areas, border regions, islands (actual working time in these areas is multiplied by a factor of 1.3 to calculate equivalent working time within the Industry);

Dancers, circus performers, national sports team athletes are eligible for early consideration five years earlier than stipulated in point a, Clause 1 of this Article;

Being awarded the title of Labor Hero, National Model Worker, People's Artist, Meritorious Artist, National Folk Artist, Meritorious Folk Artist, People's Teacher, Meritorious Teacher, People's Doctor, Meritorious Doctor, or having works or projects awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize for Literature and Art shall be considered for award immediately upon receiving the decision on the title or prize.

c) The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

2. For individuals outside the Industry

a) Holding management positions (with a coefficient of at least 0.7) for at least 5 years and making significant contributions to leadership and guidance in building and developing the Industry;

b) Leading or participating primarily in state-level scientific research projects under the Ministry's jurisdiction, which have been accepted with a satisfactory rating and have practical application value serving the Industry's cause;

c) Making positive contributions to protecting and promoting tangible and intangible cultural heritage, documentary heritage, or making substantial financial and material contributions to serve the Industry's cause.

3. For individuals who are overseas Vietnamese and foreigners: making positive contributions to building and developing the Industry.

4. Other cases shall be reviewed and decided by the Minister.

Chapter III

DOCUMENTATION AND PROCEDURES FOR AWARDS WITHIN THE MINISTRY'S AUTHORITY AND SUBORDINATE AGENCIES AND UNITS

Article 13. General provisions on documentation and procedures for awards within the authority of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism

1. Application documents for awards must comply with the prescribed deadlines, components, and contents. Individuals, groups, and households bear responsibility for the accuracy of their reports on achievements for award applications. Heads of agencies and units are responsible for the accuracy of application documents for individuals, groups, and households before submitting them to the competent authority for awards.

2. The Ministry Office is responsible for preparing application documents for awards for Ministry leaders.

3. Application documents for retired individuals are submitted by the personnel management agency prior to retirement for review and decision by the competent authority; for retired individuals from dissolved or merged units, the unit assuming the former unit’s responsibilities is responsible for reviewing and recommending awards.

4. Awards for overseas Vietnamese individuals and groups; foreign individuals and groups shall be implemented in accordance with the Law on Competitions and Awards and related documents on awards involving foreign elements.

5. The Cadre and Civil Servant Department advises and implements the process of soliciting opinions from relevant agencies and units before presenting to the Minister for review and decision. If the deadline specified in the opinion solicitation document has passed and the solicited agency or unit has not responded or has inconsistent opinions about the award, the Cadre and Civil Servant Department is responsible for compiling and reporting to the Minister for review and decision.

Within ten working days from the date of receipt of opinions from relevant agencies and units, the Cadre and Civil Servant Department compiles and presents to the Minister for review and decision on awards in accordance with regulations.

6. At all levels, the Competition and Award Councils must conduct voting when meeting to consider the titles "Ministry-Level Model Worker," "Local-Level Model Worker," and the "Ministry Flag." For individuals and groups proposed for the titles "Local-Level Model Worker" and "Ministry Flag," there must be at least 80% agreement among Council members. For individuals proposed for the title "Ministry-Level Model Worker," there must be at least 90% agreement among Council members. The results and percentage of agreement of the Competition and Award Councils at all levels must be reflected in the award review minutes.

7. Number of application documents for awards

The number of application documents for considering awards under the authority of the Minister includes one set (original) and electronic files of the award documents, except for documents containing state secrets.

8. Components of application documents for awards for commendation titles and Certificates of Merit from the Ministry

a) Memorandum;

b) Report on achievements of the awardee;

c) Minutes of the award assessment and voting results;

d) Certificate of outstanding completion of tasks for individuals in cases of proposing the title "Local-Level Model Worker";

đ) Supporting documents in cases of proposing commendation titles and award forms related to innovative ideas, scientific topics, scientific projects, and scientific and technological works:

Decision or confirmation document by the Minister regarding effective innovative ideas that can be widely applied within the Ministry or scientific topics, scientific projects, and scientific and technological works that have been accepted and effectively applied with influence within the Ministry in cases of proposing the title "Ministry-Level Model Worker."

Decision or confirmation document by the competent agency or unit regarding innovative ideas or scientific topics, scientific projects, and scientific and technological works in cases of proposing the title "Local-Level Model Worker" and Certificates of Merit from the Ministry.

Detailed contents of application documents for awards are carried out according to the model specified in the Appendix attached to this Circular.

9. Components of application documents for Commemorative Medal awards

a) Memorandum;

b) Summary of work history and individual achievements.

Article 14. Provisions on the time for submitting commendation application files, review and announcing the results of the review and commendation

1. Time for submitting commendation application files

a) For commendation for outstanding achievements: Based on the annual work summary plan of the Ministry and Sector or the direct instructions of the Minister, the Department of Organization and Cadres shall draft the document to specify the time for submitting commendation application files annually;

b) For commendation for mid-term and final reviews of competition movements initiated by the Prime Minister or the Minister: Follow the specific guidelines of each competition movement;

c) For commendation for outstanding achievements or sudden outstanding achievements: The head of the agency or unit shall prepare the commendation application file and submit it to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Commendation Council immediately after the individual or group achieves the outstanding achievement or sudden outstanding achievement;

d) For commendation application files serving the awarding ceremony at meetings, anniversary celebrations, congresses, or similar events: The agency or unit shall prepare the commendation application file and submit it to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Commendation Council no later than 22 working days before the planned event date;

đ) For commendation for individuals before retirement: Within 10 working days from the date the individual receives the decision to retire and enjoy social insurance benefits, the employing agency or unit shall prepare the commendation application file and submit it to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Commendation Council for consolidation and submission to the Minister for consideration and presentation of the Commendation Certificate.

2. Time for announcing the results of the review and commendation

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

For cases meeting the conditions and criteria for commendation as prescribed, the Department of Organization and Cadres shall implement the process of requesting the Minister to consider and decide on commendation or to request the competent authority to commend and notify the recommending unit within 22 working days from the date of receiving complete application files as prescribed.

For cases not meeting the conditions and criteria, within 5 working days from the date of receiving complete commendation application files, the Department of Organization and Cadres shall notify the recommending unit.

b) For commendation titles and forms within the authority of the heads of agencies and units with legal personality under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

For cases meeting the conditions and criteria for commendation as prescribed, the department responsible for competition and commendation work shall implement the process of requesting the head of the agency or unit to consider and decide on commendation or to request the competent authority to commend and notify the recommending unit within 15 working days from the date of receiving complete application files as prescribed.

For cases not meeting the conditions and criteria, within 5 working days from the date of receiving complete commendation application files, the department responsible for competition and commendation work shall notify the recommending unit.

Article 15. Provisions on procedures and application files for requesting the awarding of commendation titles within the authority of the Minister and the heads of agencies and units under the Ministry

1. Agencies and units under the Ministry shall prepare application files for the competent authority to consider and decide on commendation for the titles "Ministry-level Model Worker", "Local Model Worker", "Advanced Laborer", "Ministry Flag", "Outstanding Labor Group", "Advanced Labor Group".

2. The department responsible for competition and commendation work of agencies and units under the Ministry shall consolidate and review the application files, report to the Competition and Commendation Council at the grassroots level to recommend the head of the unit to commend the titles "Local Model Worker", "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Labor Group" according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 80 of the Law on Competition and Commendation; report to the Minister for consideration and commendation of commendation titles and forms within the authority of the Minister as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 79 of the Law on Competition and Commendation..

3. The competition bloc shall prepare application files to request the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry to examine and recommend the Minister to recognize the titles "Ministry Flag", "Outstanding Labor Group", "Advanced Labor Group" for groups under the competition bloc; the competition cluster shall prepare application files to request the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry to examine and recommend the Minister to present the title "Ministry Flag" to departments under the competition cluster.

4. On the basis of the results of the examination of the titles "Ministry-level Model Worker", "Ministry Flag", "Outstanding Labor Group", "Advanced Labor Group" by the Competition and Commendation Council at the grassroots level or the Minutes of the examination by the bloc or cluster, the Office shall consolidate and report to the Competition and Commendation Council of the Ministry to examine and recommend the Minister for consideration and decision.

5. Application files and procedures for requesting the awarding of the "Ministry Flag" to the leading group in the competition movement initiated by the Minister and lasting for three years or more when summarizing the movement shall be carried out according to the specific guidelines for each competition movement.

Article 16. Provisions on procedures and documents for proposing to award Commendation Certificates by the Ministry

1. Documents and procedures for rewarding outstanding achievements and thematic competitions

Units base on results and achievements of individuals or groups or guiding documents summarizing the mass movement and thematic competitions of the Ministry to prepare documents for reward proposals to be sent to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

2. Documents and procedures for rewarding on the occasion of celebrating the founding day or traditional day (anniversary year) of agencies and units

Heads of agencies and units base on the outstanding achievements and significant contributions of individuals or groups in building and developing their agencies and units to propose rewards; documents are sent to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

3. Documents and procedures for rewarding individuals and groups with achievements and contributions in the process of coordinating to implement tasks of the Ministry

Units under the Ministry base on the results of coordination in implementing tasks to propose rewards for individuals and groups from central ministries, sectors, and localities with achievements; documents are sent to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

4. Documents and procedures for proposing rewards for individuals before retirement

Based on work history, time in position, and reward criteria, the employing unit of civil servants, public officials, and workers prepares documents for reward proposals to be sent to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

5. Documents and procedures for annual achievement rewards

a) For units and individuals under agencies and units of the Ministry: Heads of agencies and units base on assessment and classification results, level of task completion, scope of influence, and effectiveness of applied initiatives, topics, and scientific works to evaluate competition titles and reward forms, then prepare documents to be sent to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council;

b) For groups under Competition Blocks and Clusters: Base on evaluation and endorsement results of the Block or Cluster, the Block or Cluster leader prepares documents for reward proposals to be sent to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

6. Documents and procedures for other cases of rewards

a) Heads of agencies and units under the Ministry with advisory functions in state management areas are responsible for compiling and reviewing reward documents for achievements within their specialized fields; send documents to the Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council. The proposal must clearly state the opinion of the specialized unit regarding achievements within the management area, content of achievements, and financial reward recommendations;

b) The Office of the Competition and Reward Council seeks opinions from related agencies (if necessary) before compiling and presenting to the Minister for consideration and decision.

Organizing review and presenting for rewards: The Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council is responsible for receiving, compiling, and reviewing reward documents according to regulations; reporting and presenting to the Minister for consideration and decision.

Article 17. Provisions on procedures and documents for proposing to award Commendation Letters by heads of agencies and units with legal personality under the Ministry

1. Based on regulations on conditions and criteria for awarding Commendation Letters, Heads of Departments and equivalent positions in agencies and units with legal personality under the Ministry prepare reward proposal documents and send them to the unit's advisory department for competition and reward work.

2. Advisory departments for competition and reward work in agencies and units with legal personality under the Ministry are responsible for compiling, reviewing documents, reporting to the unit's Competition and Reward Council, and presenting to the head of the unit for consideration and decision.

3. Quantity and components of documents

a) Quantity: 01 set (original) and electronic files of the reward proposal documents.

b) Components:

- Proposal letter for awarding Commendation Letters;

- Minutes of evaluation for rewarding of the agency or unit collective or Competition and Reward Council (if applicable);

- Report on achievements of the proposed rewarded collective or individual.

Article 18. Provisions on procedures and documents for nominating to be awarded the Commendation Medal "For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism" "For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism"

1. For individuals currently working at agencies and units under the Ministry: The agency or unit directly managing the individual shall prepare the nomination documents and submit them to the Permanent Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

2. For individuals working at Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Departments of Culture and Sports, and Departments of Tourism: These Departments shall prepare the nomination documents and submit them to the Permanent Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

3. For individuals working outside the Sector: Agencies and units under the Ministry; Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Departments of Culture and Sports, and Departments of Tourism shall base their nominations on the conditions and criteria for awarding the Commendation Medal, prepare the nomination documents, and submit them to the Permanent Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council.

4. Organization of review and presentation for reward: The Permanent Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council shall be responsible for receiving, compiling, and reviewing the reward nomination documents according to regulations; reporting and presenting to the Minister for consideration and decision.

Chapter IV

PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING REPLACEMENTS AND REISSUING AWARDS; PROCEDURES FOR WITHDRAWING DECISIONS TO AWARD COMPETITION TITLES AND FORMS OF REWARDS UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE MINISTRY AND ITS AFFILIATED AGENCIES AND UNITS

Article 19. Procedures for issuing replacements and reissuing awards under the authority of the Ministry

1. The issuance of replacements and reissuings of awards shall be carried out in the following cases:

a) The award no longer has value for use;

b) The award is lost due to objective reasons such as natural disasters, floods, fires;

c) Certificates of merit contain incorrect printed content.

2. The documents for nominating the issuance of replacements and reissuings of awards include one set (original), including:

a) A letter requesting the issuance of replacements and reissuings of awards from the agency or unit, implemented according to Model No. 9 attached to this Circular;

b) A document requesting the issuance of replacements and reissuings of awards from the collective or individual, implemented according to Model No. 10 attached to this Circular;

c) The award being requested for replacement (in the case of replacement).

3. Procedures for issuing replacements and reissuings of awards

a) The agency or unit presenting the award shall receive, check, and verify the documents for nominating the issuance of replacements and reissuings of awards; confirm, compile, and send the documents to the Permanent Office of the Ministry's Competition and Reward Council;

b) The Cadre and Civil Servant Department shall compare the stored documents, confirm, and compile the documents for nominating the issuance of replacements and reissuings of awards; report to the Minister for consideration and decision; implement the processing or destruction of the replaced award according to regulations.

4. Issued replacements and reissuings shall be carried out according to the prescribed models:

The model of the Commendation Medal and the title of Outstanding Competitor at the Ministry level shall be implemented according to the Government's regulations;

The model of the certificate for replacement and reissuing shall be printed according to the design at the time the collective or individual was awarded, including:

On the right side below the certificate, the stamp and signature of the authorized person granting the award at that time shall be pre-printed;

On the left side below the certificate, it shall state "Award Decision No., Date" and "Replacement Certificate No., Date" of the Ministry;

When receiving a replacement certificate, the collective or individual shall also receive a Certificate of Replacement (according to Model No. 12 attached to this Circular).

Article 20. Procedure for Revoking Decisions to Award Commendation Titles and Reward Forms within the Authority of the Minister and Heads of Units with Legal Entity Status under the Ministry

1. Individuals or groups that commit acts falling under the cases prescribed in Clause 2 of Article 93 of the Law on Encouragement and Rewards shall have their decisions to award commendation titles and reward forms revoked, and any awarded physical rewards and monetary rewards shall be recovered.

2. Based on the conclusions of the competent authority regarding individuals or groups committing violations as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 93 of the Law on Encouragement and Rewards, the rewarding unit shall be responsible for proposing the competent authority to issue a decision revoking the decision to award commendation titles and reward forms and recovering any awarded physical rewards and monetary rewards.

3. The dossier for requesting the revocation of decisions to award commendation titles and reward forms includes one set (original copy) with the following documents:

A proposal to recover each commendation title and reward form for individuals and groups;

A summary report from the direct rewarding unit on the reasons for requesting the competent authority to revoke the decision to award commendation titles and reward forms.

4. The Cadre and Civil Servant Department shall be responsible for compiling the dossier and submitting it to the Minister for consideration and decision to revoke reward decisions within the Minister's authority.

The advisory units for encouragement and reward work of units with legal entity status under the Ministry shall be responsible for compiling the dossier and submitting it to the unit head for consideration and revocation of reward decisions for commendation titles and reward forms within the unit head's authority.

5. The deadline for compiling and submitting to the competent authority for consideration and revocation of reward decisions is ten working days, starting from the date of receiving all required documents as prescribed.

Article 21. Recovery of Physical Rewards and Monetary Rewards for Commendation Titles and Reward Forms within the Authority of the Minister and Heads of Units under the Ministry

1. Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the decision to revoke the reward decision, individuals and groups shall be responsible for returning all physical rewards and monetary rewards received to the unit that proposed the reward and paid the rewards.

2. The Cadre and Civil Servant Department and the advisory units for encouragement and reward work of units under the Ministry shall be responsible for urging individuals and groups to return physical rewards within the specified time limit and organizing recovery according to regulations. Recovered monetary rewards shall be deposited into the state budget as prescribed.

Chapter V

ORGANIZATION AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTERIAL ENCOURAGEMENT AND REWARD BOARD AND THE LOCAL ENCOURAGEMENT AND REWARD BOARD

Article 22. Ministerial Encouragement and Reward Board

1. The Ministerial Encouragement and Reward Board shall be established by the Minister and shall be responsible for advising the Minister on encouragement and reward activities of the Ministry and the Sector.

2. Composition of the Board includes:

a) The Chairman of the Board is the Minister;

b) The Vice Chairman in charge of the Board is the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department;

c) Other Vice Chairmen and Members of the Board shall be decided by the Minister.

3. Tasks and Authorities of the Ministerial Encouragement and Reward Board

a) Advising the Minister to launch encouragement campaigns within the authority;

b) Regularly evaluating the results of encouragement campaigns and reward work; advising on mid-term and final reviews of encouragement and reward work; recommending policies and measures to promote patriotic encouragement movements annually and over different periods; organizing encouragement activities in accordance with laws on encouragement and rewards;

c) Advising the Minister to inspect encouragement campaigns and implement policies and laws on encouragement and rewards;

d) Advising the Minister to decide on rewards for commendation titles and reward forms within the authority or propose to the competent authority for rewards;

đ) The Ministerial Encouragement and Reward Board operates according to the Rules of Organization and Operation issued by the Minister.

4. Principles and Working System of the Ministerial Encouragement and Reward Board

a) The Board shall convene when at least two-thirds of the total number of members attend;

b) At each meeting of the Board, if a Member is absent, they must appoint a substitute to attend; the opinion of the substitute is considered the opinion of the Member. The substitute bears responsibility for opinions participated in discussions at the meeting as well as decisions of the Board; can vote on rewards and participate in resolutions of discussed contents of the Board; report to the Member about the content and results of the meeting;

c) Voting on rewards is conducted through voting. In cases where individuals or groups achieve a quota but exceed the reward ratio, results will be taken from highest to lowest; in cases of equal votes, the Chairman shall consider and decide;

d) In cases where the Board does not convene, the Standing Office of the Board shall be responsible for sending documents and soliciting opinions from each Member; compile and report to the Chairman for consideration and decision.

5. The Ministerial Encouragement and Reward Board is subject to guidance, supervision, and inspection of encouragement and reward work by the Central Encouragement and Reward Board.

6. The Cadre and Civil Servant Department is the Standing Office of the Ministerial Encouragement and Reward Board.

Article 23. The Commendation and Reward Council at the grassroots level

1. The Commendation and Reward Council at the grassroots level in agencies and units under the Ministry shall be established by the head of the unit and shall be responsible for advising on commendation and reward work within their scope of management.

2. The members of the grassroots Commendation and Reward Council include:

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

b) The Vice-Chairman and other members of the Council shall be considered and decided by the head of the unit.

3. Duties and powers of the grassroots Commendation and Reward Council

a) Advising the head of the agency or unit to launch commendation movements within their scope of management;

b) Regularly evaluating the results of commendation movements and reward work; advising on mid-term and final reviews of commendation and reward work; proposing measures to promote patriotic commendation movements in each year and phase of the unit;

c) Advising and consulting with the head of the unit to decide on commendation titles and forms of rewards within their authority or to submit to competent authorities for rewards;

d) Based on functions and tasks within their scope of management, the grassroots Commendation and Reward Council shall issue regulations on the organization and operation of the Council.

4. Principles and working procedures of the grassroots Commendation and Reward Council

a) Reward evaluation shall be conducted through voting. In cases where individuals or groups meet the required percentage but exceed the reward quota, the results will be ranked from highest to lowest; in cases of equal votes, the Chairman of the Council shall consider and decide;

b) In cases where the Council does not convene a meeting, the advisory body for commendation and reward work shall be responsible for sending documents and materials, soliciting opinions from each member of the Council; compiling and reporting to the Chairman of the Council for consideration and decision.

5. The grassroots Commendation and Reward Council shall be subject to guidance, supervision, and inspection of commendation and reward work by the Ministry's Commendation and Reward Council.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 24. Effective Date

Clause 1. This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2026.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 14/2023/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 14, 2023, issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stipulating commendation and reward work in the cultural, sports, and tourism sector.

Article 25. Transitional Provisions

Files for considering the award of commendation titles and reward forms that have been received (as evidenced by the incoming document stamp) before this Circular takes effect shall continue to be processed according to the provisions of Circular No. 14/2023/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 14, 2023, issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism stipulating commendation and reward work in the cultural, sports, and tourism sector.

Article 26. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Director of the Ministry’s Office, the Head of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department, the heads of agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and related individuals and groups shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. During implementation, if there are difficulties or obstacles, relevant agencies, units, and individuals shall report to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (through the Cadre and Civil Servant Department) for guidance, review, and resolution within their authority../.