Circular No. 21/2018/TT-BTNMT on the work of competition and commendation in the natural resources and environment sector

CIRCULAR

Regulations on competition and rewards

sector of natural resources and environment

 

 

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

Based on Decree No. 13/2012/NĐ-CP dated March 2, 2012 of the Government promulgating the Charter for Inventions;

Based on Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013 of the Government stipulating the organization of commemorative days; the ceremony for presenting and receiving commendations and awards; diplomatic rituals and welcoming foreign guests;

On the basis of Decision No. 36/2017/NĐ-CP dated April 4, 2017, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

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

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

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment issues this Circular to regulate the competition and reward work in the natural resources and environment sector.

 

Chapter I.
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular regulates the competition and reward work in the natural resources and environment sector, including:

1. Competition movements and the awarding of commendation titles.

2. Rewards and reward standards.

3. Competition and Reward Councils at all levels.

4. Authority to decide and present awards; procedures and files for proposing the awarding of commendation titles and reward forms.

5. The Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; rights and obligations of individuals and organizations awarded commendation titles and reward forms.

Article 2. Applicability

Individuals and organizations within and outside the natural resources and environment sector; organizations and individuals of Vietnamese origin residing abroad and organizations and individuals from other countries who have made achievements and contributions to the construction and development of the natural resources and environment sector.

Article 3. Principles of Competition and Reward

1. Principles of Competition

a) Voluntary, conscientious, public;

b) Unity, cooperation, mutual development;

c) The awarding of commendation titles must be based on competition movements; individuals and organizations participating in competition movements must register for competition, set goals and competition indicators; if they do not register for competition, they will not be considered or recognized for commendation titles.

2. Principles of Reward

a) Accurate, public, fair, timely;

b) Ensuring consistency between the nature, form, and recipient of rewards;

c) Combining spiritual encouragement with material incentives;

d) The form of reward must be appropriate to the recipient, the function, and the assigned tasks of the organization or individual and the achievements obtained;

đ) Rewards must be based on conditions, standards, and achievements obtained; it is not necessary to have lower-level rewards before higher-level rewards can be given. Emphasis should be placed on rewarding small groups and individuals directly involved in production, study, work, or combat service.

A reward form may be presented multiple times to the same recipient; Multiple reward forms shall not be given for a single achievement. Batch or thematic rewards do not count towards the criteria for national-level reward proposals.

When multiple individuals or organizations meet the criteria and standards, female individuals or organizations with a female ratio of 70% or more should be selected for reward consideration. For female leaders and managers, the tenure required for reward consideration during their contribution period is reduced by one-third compared to the general rule; in cases where the retirement age is higher than the general rule, the tenure required for reward consideration during the contribution period follows the general rule.

e) Individuals and organizations under disciplinary action; under review for disciplinary action; with unresolved complaints or accusations shall not be considered for rewards or proposed for rewards by superiors;

g) The time for the next reward application is calculated based on the achievement time recorded in the previous reward decision. For reward decisions that do not record the achievement time, the time for the next reward application is calculated based on the issuance date of the previous reward decision.

Article 4. Competition Blocs, Competition Clusters of the Natural Resources and Environment Sector

1. Based on the characteristics of position, function, tasks, nature of work, and scope of operation of organizations, the Director of the Department of Competition, Awards, and Propaganda of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (hereinafter referred to as the Department of Competition, Awards, and Propaganda) shall submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for the decision to establish Competition Blocs comprising some units under the Ministry and Competition Clusters comprising some Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment directly under the Central Government.

2. On the basis of selection and recommendation from Competition Blocs and Competition Clusters (hereinafter referred to as Competition Blocs and Clusters), the Director of the Department of Competition, Awards, and Propaganda shall submit to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for the decision to recognize the Bloc Leaders, Cluster Leaders, Deputy Bloc Leaders, and Deputy Cluster Leaders. The Bloc Leaders and Cluster Leaders shall lead and direct the activities of the Blocs and Clusters; be responsible for all activities of the Blocs and Clusters; preside over and conclude meetings of the Blocs and Clusters, and propose awards according to regulations.

The Deputy Bloc Leaders and Deputy Cluster Leaders assist the Bloc Leaders and Cluster Leaders in implementing the activities of the Blocs and Clusters when the leaders are absent or in necessary cases. The Deputy Bloc Leaders and Deputy Cluster Leaders are responsible for their decisions before the Bloc Leaders and Cluster Leaders and before the law.

3. Competition Blocs and Clusters shall perform the following tasks:

a) Organize the launch and signing of competition pledges to respond to and implement the competition movements initiated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; set out targets, contents, and measures to implement the competition movements within the Blocs and Clusters;

b) Organize appropriate and practical activities to share professional experiences, build new models, and exemplary cases within the Blocs and Clusters; evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the competition movements, score, and rank organizations participating in the competition movements according to the ranking criteria and scoring standards of the Ministry;

c) Summarize and conclude the annual competition movements and develop plans, directions, and tasks for organizing the competition movements of the Blocs and Clusters for the next year;

d) Select and honor outstanding and exemplary collectives within the Blocs and Clusters to recommend for awarding commendation titles and forms of recognition according to regulations;

đ) Perform other tasks assigned by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 5. Responsibilities in Competition and Award Work

1. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall comprehensively direct the establishment of content, criteria, and plans to organize the launch of competition movements throughout the sector; direct the examination and recognition of initiatives; register for competition with the Central Competition and Award Council, the Bloc of Ministries and Economic Agencies; direct the summary, conclusion, evaluation, and awarding of commendations according to authority and submit to higher authorities for awarding commendations according to regulations.

2. Responsibilities of the Director of the Department of Competition, Awards, and Propaganda;

a) Take the lead and coordinate with the Heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to propose to the Minister regarding policies, plans, contents, and methods to organize competition movements; guide, urge, summarize, and conclude competition movements and award work; draft and perfect legal normative documents on competition and awards; promote, disseminate, guide, and organize the implementation of laws on competition and awards; organize training and promotion for staff working in competition and award work; build, nurture, promote, and expand exemplary cases and good deeds in the sector; review files for recommending commendation titles and forms of recognition to be submitted to the Competition and Award Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment or to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for awarding commendation titles and forms of recognition according to authority or to higher authorities for awarding commendation titles and forms of recognition; organize inspections of competition and award work for units throughout the sector; coordinate in resolving complaints and reports; advise and coordinate in organizing the presentation of commendation titles and forms of recognition according to the law;

b) Take the lead and coordinate with the Heads of relevant agencies, organizations, and units to implement databases on competition and awards;

c) Take the lead and coordinate with the Heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to advise the Minister to issue scoring criteria and ranking standards and guide the organization of scoring and ranking of Blocs and Clusters.

3. Responsibilities of the Heads of units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Directors of Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment directly under the Central Government (hereinafter referred to as Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment):

a) Direct the establishment of content, criteria, and methods to organize competition movements suitable to the functions, tasks, organizational structures, management objects, and specific conditions of each agency, organization, and unit;

b) Launch competition movements, organize implementation, urge, inspect, summarize, and conclude competition movements within the agency, organization, and unit;

c) Identify, evaluate, and select individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements and exemplary performance to award commendation titles and forms of recognition according to authority or to submit to higher authorities for awarding commendation titles and forms of recognition according to regulations;

d) Implement the application of information technology in competition and award activities;

đ) Summarize and evaluate competition and award work, evaluate commendation titles and forms of recognition based on linking with the results of evaluating civil servants, public officials, employees, workers, the results of administrative reform, and the level of completion of tasks of the organization annually or at the end of the competition movement;

e) Closely coordinate with the Party committees and mass organizations at all levels in the natural resources and environment sector to direct the organization and implementation of competition movements.

4. The Head of the Competition Group and the Cluster Leader shall be responsible for leading the development, approval, signing, and implementation of: Rules of Operation, Competition Pledge, Activity Plan, launching competitions, organizing mid-term and final reviews of competition movements, and evaluating commendations.

5. Information and press agencies under the natural resources and environment sector shall be responsible for promoting competition work and commendation activities; identifying individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in competition movements to set examples or introduce them to the Competition and Commendation Councils at various levels for consideration of commendation; combating and criticizing violations of laws on competition and commendation within the natural resources and environment sector.

Article 6. Invention

1. Inventions in the natural resources and environment sector (hereinafter referred to as inventions) are technical solutions, management solutions, operational solutions, or application solutions of advanced technology (collectively referred to as solutions) that are new within the scope of the organization, have been applied or tested at the organization, and bring practical benefits, recognized by the organization, and not falling under the cases stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 3 of Decree No. 13/2012/NĐ-CP dated March 2, 2012 of the Government promulgating the Regulations on Inventions (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 13/2012/NĐ-CP).

2. Types of inventions

a) National-level inventions are new solutions created or improved from previous solutions, applied in natural resources and environmental activities, bringing substantial benefits and effectiveness to the entire country;

b) Ministry-level inventions are new solutions created or improved from previous solutions, applied in natural resources and environmental activities, bringing substantial benefits and effectiveness to the natural resources and environment sector;

c) Organizational-level inventions are new solutions created or improved from previous solutions, applied in natural resources and environmental activities, bringing substantial benefits and effectiveness to the operations of the unit.

3. Authority to recognize inventions

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Invention Council shall examine, recognize, and assess the impact of ministry-level and national-level inventions;

b) The organizational-level Invention Council shall examine, recognize, and assess the impact of organizational-level inventions; consider proposals for ministry-level and national-level inventions from individuals within their jurisdiction;

c) After reviewing organizational-level, ministry-level, and national-level individual inventions, the Standing Committee of the Invention Councils at all levels shall post on the electronic information website of the agency or unit and the Ministry's Electronic Information Portal within ten working days to solicit opinions. In cases where there are opinions contrary to the conclusions of the Council, the Standing Committee shall compile, review, explain, and report back to the Council for comments before submitting to the head of the unit or Minister for consideration and decision.

4. Conditions, procedures, and formalities for examining and recognizing inventions shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 13/2012/NĐ-CP; Circular No. 18/2013/TT-BKHCN dated August 1, 2013 of the Minister of Science and Technology guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Regulations on Inventions issued pursuant to Decree No. 13/2012/NĐ-CP of the Government.

 

Chapter II.
COMPETITION MOVEMENT AND EVALUATION FOR COMPETITION AWARDS

Article 7. Forms and contents of organizing competitive movements

1. Regular competition is a form of competition based on the functions and tasks assigned to individuals and collectives to organize and launch, aiming to perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual work well at agencies and units. The target of regular competition is individual members within a collective, collectives within the same agency, organization, unit, or between units within a Group or Cluster, or throughout the industry. Organizing regular competitive movements must clearly define the purpose, requirements, goals, specific indicators at the unit level or according to the Group or Cluster to launch competitive movements and sign competition agreements. At the end of the working year, the heads of units, Groups, and Clusters conduct summaries, evaluations, and propose commendation titles and reward forms as prescribed.

2. Special topic (or phased) competition is a form of competition aimed at performing key tasks well within a specified period or organizing competition to strive to complete urgent and critical tasks of the unit. Agencies, organizations, and units only launch special topic (or phased) competitions when the purpose, requirements, indicators, content, and time frame are clearly defined.

3. Upon completion of the competition movement organization period within the industry scope, units, Groups, and Clusters proceed with summaries, evaluations, and propose commendation titles and reward forms within their authority. In cases organized nationwide, when summarizing and concluding the movement for three years or more, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment selects individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements to recommend the Prime Minister to award Certificates of Merit; for five years or more, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment selects individuals and collectives with particularly outstanding achievements to recommend the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the President) to consider awarding "Labor Medal, Third Class." When organizing a competition movement within the industry for three years or more, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment sends the plan to organize and launch the competition movement to the Central Steering Committee for Competition and Reward for consolidation and guidance on rewards.

4. The content of organizing the competition movement in the natural resources and environment sector shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP dated July 31, 2017 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain articles of the Law on Competition and Reward (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP).

Article 8. Registration of commendation titles, signing of competition agreements

1. Annually, after the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment launches the competition movement, subordinate units of the Ministry and Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment under central cities register commendation titles, submit one copy of the competition registration to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Competition, Reward, and Propaganda) for all commendation titles, submit one copy to the Group (for the title "Competition Flag of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" and "Competition Flag of the Government"). Groups and Clusters organize the signing of competition agreements among units within the Group and Cluster, demonstrating determination to respond to and implement the competition movement launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; clearly defining indicators, content, and measures for implementation; submitting the Group and Cluster's competition registration and signed competition agreement to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Competition, Reward, and Propaganda) before February 28 each year for monitoring and as a basis for awarding commendation titles.

2. The Department of Competition, Reward, and Propaganda compiles the competition registration documents of subordinate units of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, provincial departments, and Groups and Clusters, presenting them to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for approval; for national-level commendation titles, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment submits the competition registration to the Government before March 15 each year.

Article 9. Commendation Titles

1. For individuals including:

1. Advanced Worker
2. Model Competitor at the Grassroots Level
3. Model Competitor in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector
4. National Model Competitor

2. For collectives including:

1. Advanced Labor Collective
2. Excellent Labor Collective
3. Competition Flag of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
4. Competition Flag of the Government

Article 10. Criteria for Commendation Titles

1. The title "Advanced Worker" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the criteria stipulated in Article 24 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and Clause 10 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government and the following provisions:

a) Maternity leave according to regulations shall be counted towards the assessment for the title "Advanced Worker";

b) Individuals who bravely rescue people or property, resulting in injuries requiring treatment and convalescence, shall have their treatment and convalescence periods counted towards the awarding of the title "Advanced Worker";

c) 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 an individual is temporarily assigned or seconded to another agency, organization, or unit, the assessment and election for the title "Advanced Worker" shall be decided by the agency, organization, or unit that assigns or seconded the individual (with the opinion of the receiving agency, organization, or unit);

d) Individuals sent for short-term domestic or international training or development under one year, complying with the regulations of the training or development institution, shall have their study period counted towards their work time at the unit for the assessment of the title "Advanced Worker". In cases where individuals are sent for domestic or international training or development for one year or more, complying with the regulations of the training or development institution and achieving satisfactory academic results, they may be considered for the title "Advanced Worker";

e) The title "Advanced Worker" shall not be awarded in any of the following cases: newly recruited for less than ten months, disciplined with a warning or higher;

2. The title "Model Soldier at the Grassroots Level" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the criteria stipulated in Clause 3, Article 9 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government;

3. The title "Model Soldier in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector" shall be awarded to individuals meeting the criteria stipulated in Clause 2, Article 9 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government;

4. The title "National Model Soldier" shall be awarded to individuals meeting the criteria stipulated in Clause 1, Article 9 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government;

5. The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the criteria stipulated in Clause 1, Article 28 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward;

6. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the criteria stipulated in Clause 1, Article 27 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward;

7. The title "Flag of Encouragement of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" shall be awarded annually to collectives that have registered for encouragement, are outstanding examples in the movement of encouragement within the sector, have achieved the title "Outstanding Labor Collective", and meet the criteria stipulated in Article 26 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and Clause 12 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government;

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall award the title "Flag of Encouragement of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" to outstanding collectives in various Encouragement Groups and Clusters;

8. The title "Flag of Encouragement of the Government" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the criteria stipulated in Article 25 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and Clause 11 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government.

 

Chapter III.
RECOGNITION AND CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

Article 11. Types of Awards

1. Regular awards are annual awards given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results at the end of the year's or multiple years' tasks and plans.

2. Thematic awards (or campaign awards) are awards given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results after the completion of a campaign, a program, or a thematic activity initiated by the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, or heads of agencies, organizations, and units.

3. Unexpected awards are awards given to collectives and individuals who have achieved unexpected outstanding results in labor and production; bravery in rescuing people and state property.

4. Contribution process awards are awards given to individuals who have participated in revolutionary stages (holding leadership and management positions in state agencies and units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) with outstanding contributions to the Party's and the nation's revolutionary cause.

5. Other appropriate forms of encouragement: Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Natural Resources and Environment", Recognition Plaque.

Article 12. Orders, Medals, Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize"

The criteria for Orders, Medals, "Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister", State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", and "State Prize" shall be implemented according to the provisions of the Law on Competitions and Rewards and Articles 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 33, 36, and 38 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP.

Article 13. Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment

1. The Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment is awarded to individuals who model exemplary compliance with the Party's policies and state laws, achieving one of the following standards:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in annual competition movements initiated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

b) Achievements with significant impact in one of the fields under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

c) Two consecutive years of outstanding performance, during which two recognized and effectively applied initiatives were implemented within the basic level.

2. The Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment is awarded to collectives that model exemplary compliance with the Party's policies and state laws, maintain internal unity, and achieve one of the following standards:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in competition movements;

b) Unexpected outstanding achievements with significant impact in each field under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

c) Two consecutive years of outstanding performance, maintaining internal unity, effectively implementing grassroots democracy regulations, organizing good competition movements; caring for the material and spiritual life of the collective; practicing thrift; fully implementing all systems and policies.

3. The Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment is awarded to individuals, collectives, and families who model exemplary compliance with the Party's policies and state laws, making significant contributions of labor, land, and assets to their locality and society.

Article 14. Commemorative Medal

1\. The Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Natural Resources and Environment" is a form of recognition by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for individuals working within and outside the natural resources and environment sector; foreign individuals and overseas Vietnamese who have made significant contributions and achievements in building and developing the natural resources and environment sector.

The Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Natural Resources and Environment" shall only be awarded once and not posthumously.

2\. Criteria for awarding the Commemorative Medal:

a\. For individuals working in the natural resources and environment sector:

Individuals with at least 20 years of service in the natural resources and environment sector for men and at least 15 years for women, having good moral character, performing their duties well, and not being disciplined with a warning or higher penalty. Disciplinary periods shall not be counted towards eligibility for the commemorative medal.

Individuals with three consecutive years of service in mountainous areas, remote regions, border areas, islands, and particularly difficult socio-economic conditions must have at least 15 years of service for men and at least 10 years for women.

Individuals transferring from other sectors to work in the natural resources and environment sector must have at least 25 consecutive years of service for men and at least 20 years for women, including at least 10 years of service in the natural resources and environment sector for men and at least seven years for women.

Individuals holding leadership positions at the Department level or equivalent, and leaders of provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment must have held such positions for at least five years.

b\. For individuals working outside the natural resources and environment sector:

Individuals working outside the natural resources and environment sector and foreign individuals who have made significant contributions in leadership, guidance, management, and the development of the natural resources and environment sector.

Article 15. Certificate of Merit

Heads of units under the Ministry that have accounts and seals, and Directors of Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment may award Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals according to Articles 74, 75, and 76 of the Law on Competition and Rewards.

Article 16. Recognition Plaque

The Recognition Plaque is a form of recognition of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for individuals who are Ministers, Deputy Ministers; heads and deputy heads of units directly under the Ministry. The Recognition Plaque is presented to individuals upon retirement.

Article 17. Reward for Long-term Dedication

1\. Forms of reward for long-term dedication to be given or posthumously awarded to individuals with outstanding achievements meeting one of the following criteria:

a\. Cadres and civil servants holding leadership positions in agencies and units within the natural resources and environment sector who meet the criteria and conditions stipulated in Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP regarding various types and levels of Orders when preparing for retirement, have retired, or have passed away, and who have made outstanding contributions during their service to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation;

b\. Cadres and civil servants who have been awarded Orders for their achievements in work, if they meet the criteria stipulated in Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP and their tenure matches the previous award, they will not be considered for further awards for dedication achievements; if they meet the criteria for a higher level of award than previously received, procedures for recommending dedication rewards will be followed according to regulations.

2\. Criteria, tenure, equivalent positions, and conditions for rewarding long-term dedication are implemented according to Articles 41 and 42 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP.

 

Chapter IV.
AUTHORITY TO DECIDE, AWARDS, PROCEDURES, AND FILES,
CONSIDERATION FOR AWARDING HONORS, COMPETITIONS, AND REWARD FORMS

Article 18. Authority to Decide on Bestowal of Commendation Titles and Forms of Reward

1. The authority to decide on bestowing the titles "National Model Worker", "Government Flag of Competition", Medals, Orders, State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award", and "Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit" shall be implemented according to the provisions set forth in Articles 77 and 78 of the Law on Competition and Reward.

2. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment decides on bestowing commendation titles, forms of reward, and other forms of encouragement as stipulated in Clause 02, Article 101 of the Law on Competition and Reward, specifically as follows:

a) Bestow the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", and "Advanced Worker Collective" for individuals and collectives under the Departments, Party and Mass Organizations' Office.

b) Bestow the title "Outstanding Worker Collective" for units directly under the Ministry; organizations directly under units directly under the Ministry; Provincial Meteorological and Hydrological Stations under Regional Meteorological and Hydrological Stations belonging to the General Department of Meteorology and Hydrology; Geological Teams under Geological Associations belonging to the General Department of Geology and Mineral Resources and the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation.

c) Bestow the "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Certificate of Merit" for collectives and individuals under units directly under the Ministry for regular competition achievements, specialized competition achievements, and sudden achievements; bestow the Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for collectives and individuals under the natural resources and environment sector at the local level upon the proposal of provincial natural resources and environment departments and for collectives, individuals, and families outside the natural resources and environment sector when they achieve specialized competition achievements and sudden achievements.

d) Bestow the "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Flag of Competition" for collectives leading the competition movement as voted by the Competition Groups and proposed by the heads of units based on the annual allocation targets of the Ministry.

đ) Bestow the title "Model Worker in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector" for individuals within the natural resources and environment sector.

e) Bestow the Commemorative Medal "For the Natural Resources and Environment Cause" for individuals both inside and outside the sector; overseas Vietnamese individuals and foreign individuals who have made contributions to the construction and development of the natural resources and environment sector.

3. The Director of the Ministry's Office, the Director of the Ministry's Inspectorate, the Heads of Departments, Institutes, Schools, Centers (excluding the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation), the Office for National Mineral Reserve Evaluation, the Office of the Permanent Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission of Vietnam, the Vietnam Environmental Protection Fund, the Project Management Board, the Natural Resources and Environment Newspaper, and the Natural Resources and Environment Magazine decide on bestowing the titles "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", "Advanced Worker Collective", and Certificates of Merit for collectives and individuals within their jurisdiction.

4. The Heads of General Departments, the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation bestow commendation titles and forms of reward as provided for in Article 80 of the Law on Competition and Reward, as follows:

a) Bestow the title "Advanced Worker" and "Advanced Worker Collective" for collectives and individuals under units responsible for comprehensive advice without accounts and seals.

b) Bestow the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" for individuals within the unit.

c) Bestow Certificates of Merit for collectives and individuals within the unit.

d) The Heads of units with accounts and seals directly under the General Departments and the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation bestow the titles "Advanced Worker" and "Advanced Worker Collective" for collectives and individuals within their management authority.

5. Enterprises under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment bestow commendation titles and forms of reward as provided for in Article 80 of the Law on Competition and Reward. Specifically as follows:

a) The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Company decides on rewarding "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker"; propose higher authorities to reward commendation titles and forms of reward for individuals within the authority to appoint by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

b) The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Company, or the General Director of the Company decides to bestow the title "Advanced Worker" for collectives and individuals under the Administrative Unit and dependent accounting units; bestow the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" for individuals and Certificates of Merit for collectives and individuals within their jurisdiction.

c) The Directors of independent accounting units directly under enterprises (Companies, Factories, Centers...) bestow the titles "Advanced Worker Collective" and "Advanced Worker" for collectives and individuals within their jurisdiction.

Article 19. Procedure for examining and awarding commendation titles and forms of reward

1. For the title "Heroic Laborer": The head of the unit submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda) to request approval on the policy of conferring the title "Heroic Laborer". The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the First Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for comments, and then submits to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for approval on the policy of conferring the title "Heroic Laborer".

Based on the opinion of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda issues a notification to the unit and guides the completion of the application dossier for conferring the title "Heroic Laborer". The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda receives the dossier, evaluates achievements, and solicits opinions from related units before summarizing and submitting to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for examination. Based on the results of the Council meeting, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the Party Cadre Committee of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for review before submitting to the Minister for decision.

2. For the title "National Model Worker": The head of the unit submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda checks the dossier, evaluates achievements, and submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for examination. Based on the examination results of the Councils, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the Party Cadre Committee of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for review before submitting to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for consideration, and then to the Prime Minister.

3. For the title "Model Worker in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector": The head of the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Director of Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment submit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda checks the dossier, evaluates achievements, and submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for examination. Based on the Council's results, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the First Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for comments before submitting to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for decision.

4. For the flag "Flag of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment": The head of the unit under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Head of the Competition Group, the Head of the Competition Cluster submit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). Based on the registration for competition, based on the recommendations of the units and the endorsement of the Groups and Clusters, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda checks the dossier, evaluates achievements, and submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for examination. Based on the Council's results, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the First Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for comments before submitting to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for decision.

5. For the "Gold Star Medal", "Ho Chi Minh Medal", "Independence Medal": The head of the units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment submit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda checks the dossier, evaluates achievements, and submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for examination; based on the Council's examination results, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the Party Cadre Committee of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for review before submitting to the Minister for decision.

6. For the "Labor Medal": The head of the units under the Ministry submit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda checks the dossier, evaluates achievements, and submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for examination. Based on the Council's examination results, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the First Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for comments before submitting to the Minister for decision.

7. For the "Prime Minister's Commendation" and the flag "Flag of the Government": The head of the units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment submit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda checks the dossier, evaluates achievements, and submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for examination. Based on the Council's examination results, the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda submits to the First Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for comments before submitting to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for decision.

8. For the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" and the "Minister of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation": The head of the units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment submit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda checks the dossier, evaluates achievements, submits to the First Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for comments, and then submits to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for decision.

9. For the proposal to award the Friendship Badge to foreign individuals who have made significant contributions to the construction and development of the natural resources and environment sector in Vietnam, or to confer or posthumously confer the Friendship Medal to foreign individuals; the Friendship Medal to foreign organizations that have made great contributions to the construction and development of the natural resources and environment sector in Vietnam: The head of the agency, organization, or unit directly collaborating with these individuals or organizations submits to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda). The Department of Commendation, Reward and Propaganda evaluates and submits to the First Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation and Reward Council for comments, and then submits to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for decision.

10. For the "Ho Chi Minh Award" and the "State Award," the provisions set forth in Decree No. 78/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 30, 2014 of the Government on the Ho Chi Minh Award, State Award, and other awards for science and technology shall be followed. The title "People's Teacher" and "Outstanding Teacher" shall be implemented according to the Law on Competition and Reward; Decree No. 27/2015/NĐ-CP dated March 10, 2015 of the Government on the awarding of the titles "People's Teacher" and "Outstanding Teacher," and other relevant legal documents.

11. The Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall prepare files and propose commendation titles and reward forms for the Minister, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Competition and Reward, and the Department of Propaganda shall consolidate and submit to the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consideration of rewards or submission to higher levels for commendation.

Article 20. Files for Proposing Commendation Titles

1. Commendation titles and reward forms within the authority of the heads of units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be implemented based on the Law on Competition and Reward, the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward, Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government, and this Circular within their respective units.

2. The file for proposing the titles "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level," "Model Worker in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector," "Excellent Labor Collective," and "Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" includes:

a) A proposal for commendation from the head of the unit or the Block Leader of the Competition Block, Cluster Leader of the Competition Cluster, accompanied by a list of collectives and individuals proposed for commendation according to Model No. 01, 04, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

b) One set of achievement reports for collectives for the title "Excellent Labor Collective" and "Flag of Excellence of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" according to Model No. 05, and one set of achievement reports for individuals for the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" and "Model Worker in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector" according to Model No. 06, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

c) Decision recognizing inventions (for individuals) according to Model No. 06, Appendix II issued together with this Circular;

d) Minutes of meetings of Blocks, Clusters, or the Competition and Reward Council of the unit, accompanied by the results of secret ballots of the Council according to Model No. 02, Appendix I issued together with this Circular.

3. The file for proposing the titles "National Model Worker," "Flag of Excellence of the Government," and "Hero of Labor" includes:

a) A proposal for commendation from the head of the unit or the Block Leader of the Competition Block, Cluster Leader of the Competition Cluster, accompanied by a list of collectives and individuals proposed for commendation according to Model No. 01, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

b) Three sets of achievement reports for collectives and individuals with confirmation from the unit (according to Model No. 06 for the title "National Model Worker," Model No. 05 for the title "Flag of Excellence of the Government"); four sets of achievement reports for collectives and individuals proposed for the title "Hero of Labor" with confirmation from the unit (according to Model No. 08 for collectives, Model No. 09 for individuals) in Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

c) Minutes of meetings of Blocks, Clusters, or the Competition and Reward Council of the unit, accompanied by the results of secret ballots of the Council according to Model No. 02, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

d) Decision recognizing inventions (for individuals proposed for the title National Model Worker) according to Model No. 06, Appendix II issued together with this Circular;

đ) A document confirming the implementation of Party policies and state laws during the year proposed for commendation from the People's Committee of the commune, ward, town where the agency has its headquarters for independent agencies, or a document confirming the implementation of Party policies and state laws during the period counted for commendation achievements from the People's Committee of the commune, ward, town where the individual resides;

e) Confirmation of tax payment obligations for the year or period proposed for commendation for agencies and units with tax payment obligations and for individuals who are heads of agencies and units with tax payment obligations.

Article 21. Documents for Proposing Forms of Reward

1. Documents for proposing to award "Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment" include:

a) A proposal for rewarding submitted by the head of the unit along with a list of collectives and individuals proposed for reward according to Model No. 01, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

b) One set of reports on achievements of the collectives and individuals proposed for reward according to Model No. 05, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

c) Decision recognizing innovation (for individuals) according to Model No. 06, Appendix II issued together with this Circular.

d) Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Reward Council of the unit along with the results of secret ballot voting of the Competition and Reward Council of the unit according to Model No. 02, Appendix I issued together with this Circular.

2. Documents for proposing to award "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", "Medals of various types" (excluding rewards for dedication), include:

a) A proposal for rewarding submitted by the head of the unit along with a list of collectives and individuals proposed for reward according to Model No. 01, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

b) Three sets of reports on achievements of the collectives and individuals proposed to be awarded "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister"; four reports on achievements of the collectives and individuals proposed to be awarded "Medals of various types" according to Model No. 06, Appendix I issued together with this Circular (accompanied by supporting documents);

c) Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Reward Council of the unit along with the results of secret ballot voting of the Council according to Model No. 02, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

3. Documents for proposing to award Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Natural Resources and Environment" include:

a) Proposal for considering awarding the Commemorative Medal according to Model No. 01, Appendix III issued together with this Circular;

b) List of individuals proposed to be awarded the Commemorative Medal according to Model No. 02, Appendix III attached to this Circular;

c) Summary report on achievements of individuals currently working in the natural resources and environment sector according to Model No. 03, Appendix III issued together with this Circular;

d) Summary report on achievements of individuals working outside the natural resources and environment sector according to Model No. 04, Appendix III issued together with this Circular.

4. Documents for rewarding dedication include:

a) Proposal by the head of the unit along with a list of individuals proposed for reward according to Model No. 01, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

b) Four sets of reports on achievements of individuals, confirmed by the head of the unit, according to Model No. 07, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

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

Article 22. Documents for Proposing Rewards through Simplified Procedures

1. Rewards through simplified procedures are implemented for individuals and collectives when the following conditions are met:

a) The reward serves political requirements, timely encouraging and motivating collectives and individuals;

b) Achieving outstanding and sudden achievements with significant impact within each field under the natural resources and environment sector;

c) Contributing to building the natural resources and environment sector.

2. Documents for proposing rewards through simplified procedures include:

a) Proposal accompanied by a list of individuals and collectives proposed for reward according to Model No. 01, Appendix I issued together with this Circular;

b) Summary of achievements of the directly managing agency or unit detailing actions, achievements, and merits of individuals and collectives proposed for reward through simplified procedures according to Model Nos. 05 and 06, Appendix I issued together with this Circular.

Article 23. Provisions on the time for receiving files for awarding commendation titles and forms of reward

1. Files proposing to be considered for awarding commendation titles and forms of reward for annual achievements of the previous year shall be sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment before January 31 of the following year.

2. For cases proposing to be rewarded for outstanding achievements or special topics: immediately after achieving the results or upon completion of the special topic period, the head of the agency, organization, or unit shall be responsible for preparing the file to submit to the competent authority for consideration and decision on rewards.

3. In addition to paper files, agencies, organizations, and units shall also send electronic file attachments for submission of rewards (in .doc format for Petitions, lists, and achievement reports of individuals and groups proposed for rewards, and in .pdf format for other related files) to the email box of the Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda ([email protected]).

Article 24. Examination of files and submission for rewards

1. The time for examining reward files at the Ministry shall be carried out in accordance with Point b Clause 2 Article 48 of Decree No. 91/2012/NĐ-CP.

2. The time for announcing the results of examination for rewards shall be carried out in accordance with Clause 3 Article 48 of Decree No. 91/2012/NĐ-CP.

Article 25. Approval of rewards

1. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall implement the approval of rewards according to the proposal of the Central Board of Competition and Rewards.

2. Upon receipt of the document proposing approval from the Central Board of Competition and Rewards, the Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda shall collect opinions from relevant units, compile them, and draft the approval document to submit to the Deputy Minister in charge of the field for consideration and decision.

Article 26. Award Ceremony

1. The ceremony for presenting and receiving commendation titles and forms of reward; foreign diplomatic ceremonies and reception of foreign guests shall be carried out in accordance with Government Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013, concerning the organization of commemorative days; the ceremony for presenting and receiving commendation titles and forms of reward; foreign diplomatic ceremonies and reception of foreign guests. The head of the unit under the Ministry shall prepare a plan for receiving and submit it to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda). The Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda shall be responsible for seeking instructions from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and coordinating with the unit to organize the announcement and presentation.

2. The Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda shall advise the Minister to decide on organizing the announcement and presentation of national-level reward forms for individuals and groups under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

3. Announcing and presenting commendation titles and forms of reward is an opportunity to honor good people and deeds and exemplary models; the organization must ensure solemnity, effectiveness, economy, and avoid ostentatious formalism. When organizing, it should combine with other contents of the unit to save time and expenses.

Article 27. Management and storage of reward files

1. The Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda shall be responsible for managing and storing files, recording ledgers of commendation titles and forms of reward; transferring reward files to the Office of Secretariat and Archives of the Ministry's Office in accordance with current regulations on archiving.

2. Agencies and units shall be responsible for organizing the management and storage of files, tracking commendation titles and forms of reward for individuals and groups within their own agencies and units. Decisions on granting commendation titles and forms of reward by agencies and units under the Ministry must be sent to the Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda no later than 15 days from the date of issuance of the decision.

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

Chapter V.
COMPETITION AND REWARD COUNCIL,
COUNCILS OF INNOVATION AT ALL LEVELS

Article 28. The Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

1. The Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be established by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, providing advisory services to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on competition and reward activities.

2. The members of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment include:

a) Chairman: The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment;

b) First Vice-Chairman: The Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment responsible for competition and reward work;

c) Permanent Vice-Chairman: The Director of the Department of Competition and Reward and Propaganda;

d) Vice-Chairman: The Permanent Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; the Chairman of the Trade Union of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

đ) Members: The Head of the Ministry's Office, the Inspector General, the Directors of the Departments of Cadre Organization, Planning and Finance, Legal Affairs, Science and Technology, International Cooperation, the Secretary of the Communist Youth Union of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, one Deputy Director of the Department of Competition and Reward and Propaganda, and a Member-Secretary of the Council.

3. The tasks and powers of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry shall be implemented according to Clauses 3, 4, and 5 of Article 62 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP. The Council operates under the Rules of Operation issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 29. The Competition and Reward Councils of Units

1. The Competition and Reward Councils of units shall be established by the heads of the units, providing advisory services to the heads of the units on competition and reward activities.

2. The members of the Competition and Reward Councils of units include:

a) Chairman: The head of the unit;

b) Vice-Chairman: A deputy head of the unit or the Chairman of the Trade Union, decided by the head of the unit;

c) Members: Representatives of the party committee (branch committee) and other key cadres of the unit, decided by the head of the unit based on the principle that the total number of council members (Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, and Members) shall be determined by the Chairman of the Council; staff engaged in competition and reward work, and a Member-Secretary of the Council.

3. The Competition and Reward Councils of units operate under the Rules of Operation issued by the heads of the agencies and units.

Article 30. The Innovation Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

1. The Innovation Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be established by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, with the task of advising the Minister to objectively and truthfully assess the level and scope of impact of innovations, serving as a basis for the Minister to decide on recognizing innovations and solutions for individuals proposed for awarding the "Labor Medal" at various levels and the titles of "Outstanding Competitor in the Natural Resources and Environment Sector" and "National Outstanding Competitor".

2. The members of the Innovation Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment include:

a) Chairman: The Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment responsible for competition and reward work;

b) Permanent Vice-Chairman: The Director of the Department of Competition and Reward and Propaganda;

c) Vice-Chairman: The Director of the Department of Science and Technology;

d) Members: The Chairman of the Trade Union of the Ministry and some representatives from subordinate units of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, experts with expertise in fields related to the content of the innovation; one civil servant from the Department of Competition and Reward and Propaganda - Secretary of the Council.

3. The tasks of the Innovation Council of the Ministry shall be carried out according to Clause 3 of Article 8 of Decree No. 13/2012/NĐ-CP. The Innovation Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment operates under the Rules of Operation issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 31. Initiative Council foundation

1. The initiative council at the grassroots level shall be established by the head of the unit and shall have the task of assisting the head of the unit to examine and evaluate initiatives and solutions, serving as the basis for recommending the head of the agency or unit to recognize initiatives and solutions for individuals proposed for the award of the Prime Minister's Commendation Certificate, "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Commendation Certificate", and the title of "Grassroots Labor Medal".

2. The members of the grassroots initiative council include:

a) Chairman: Head of the unit or deputy head of the unit;

b) Vice-Chairman: Representative of the leadership of the organization assisting the Head of the Unit in implementing commendation activities;

c) Members and Secretary appointed by the Head of the Unit, including some individuals with expertise in fields related to the content of the initiatives.

3. The grassroots initiative council operates according to the operational regulations issued by the head of the unit.

 

Chapter VI.
FUND FOR COMPETITION, RECOGNITION AND RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS AWARDED COMPETITION TITLES AND RECOGNITION FORMATS
OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS AWARDED ACHIEVEMENT TITLES AND COMPETITION FORMS
AND REWARD FORMS

Article 32. Sources and levels of contributions to the Fund for Competition and Recognition

1. The Fund for Competition and Recognition of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is formed from state budget sources, individual and organizational contributions both domestically and internationally.

2. The establishment of the Fund for Competition and Recognition of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is carried out as follows:

a) Annually, based on the state budget estimate already assigned by the competent authority; based on the total salary fund according to rank and grade of civil servants, public officials, and employees within the establishment and the approved annual wage of contractual workers according to the state-defined wage scale (excluding the salary and wages of units fully self-financed); the results of the previous year's Fund for Competition and Recognition and the projected total expenditure for the current year, the Department of Competition, Recognition, and Propaganda proposes the budget estimate and submits it to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (through the Ministry Office and the Department of Planning and Finance) for approval of the level of contribution to the Fund for Competition and Recognition of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment from the state budget at 10% of the total salary fund according to rank and grade of civil servants, public officials, and employees within the establishment and the approved annual wage mentioned above;

b) The contribution to the Fund for Competition and Recognition of the Ministry by units that self-finance their regular operations and enterprises directly under the Ministry is carried out as follows:

For units that self-finance their operations directly under the Ministry, they contribute from their own Fund for Competition and Recognition to the Ministry to create a source for the Ministry's Fund for Competition and Recognition. The minimum contribution rate is 20% of the annual Fund for Competition and Recognition of the unit.

For units that self-finance their operations directly under the second-level budgetary unit, annually they contribute a minimum of 20% of their Fund for Competition and Recognition to the second-level budgetary unit. The second-level budgetary unit (various General Departments, various Bureaus, various Centers) retains 10% to create its own Fund for Competition and Recognition and 10% is contributed to the Ministry's Fund for Competition and Recognition.

For enterprises directly under the Ministry, annually they contribute 10% of their enterprise's Fund for Competition and Recognition to the Ministry's Fund for Competition and Recognition (the level of contribution from the Fund for Competition and Recognition of subordinate units to the enterprise's Fund for Competition and Recognition is determined by the enterprises themselves).

c) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment encourages individuals, organizations, and provincial and centrally-administered city departments of natural resources and environment to support and contribute to building and developing the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Fund for Competition and Recognition.

d) The Department of Planning and Finance is responsible for coordinating with the Department of Competition, Recognition, and Propaganda to allocate funds for competition and recognition activities of the Ministry according to Clause 1 of Article 65 of Government Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP; guiding units in establishing the Fund for Competition and Recognition and urging contributions to the Ministry's Fund for Competition and Recognition.

đ) The Ministry Office is responsible for reporting to the Ministry's Competition and Recognition Council on the results of contributions from units to the Ministry's Fund for Competition and Recognition before December 31 each year.

3. At the end of the fiscal year, any remaining balance in the Fund for Competition and Recognition at all levels that has not been used can be carried over to the next year for continued use in competition and recognition activities.

Article 33. Management and Use of the Competition and Reward Fund

1. The establishment, use, and management of the Competition and Reward Fund shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Articles 66 and 67 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP of the Government. The content and amount of competition and reward expenses for the natural resources and environment sector shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Articles 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, and 74 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP.

2. The Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda shall be responsible for advising the Minister to properly use the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for organizing competition movements and reward activities in accordance with the intended purpose and target groups; completing settlement files and vouchers with the Ministry's Office; monitoring the payment of rewards and other expenses serving competition and reward activities as prescribed.

3. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Office shall be responsible for implementing the expenditure items and settling the expenditure items within the Competition and Reward Fund of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in accordance with the law.

Article 34. Rights of Individuals and Groups in Competitions and Rewards

1. Participate in competition movements initiated by the State, agencies, organizations, and units.

2. Be eligible to propose for consideration and awarding of titles and reward forms in accordance with the provisions of the law.

3. Have the right to provide opinions or propose competent authorities to consider and award titles and reward forms to individuals and groups that meet the required achievements and standards as stipulated by the law.

4. Propose competent authorities not to award titles and reward forms if they do not meet the required standards and procedures as prescribed by the law, and request the revocation of awarded titles and reward forms.

Article 35. Obligations of Individuals and Groups in Competitions and Rewards

1. Strictly comply with the regulations of the law, agencies, organizations, and units in competition and reward work.

2. Individuals and groups receiving rewards have the obligation to preserve the reward objects and not lend them to others for illegal acts.

3. Refuse to accept undeserved titles or reward forms that do not match their achievements and do not conform to the prescribed standards and procedures.

Article 36. Issuance, Replacement, Confirmation, Revocation, and Recovery of Reward Objects

1. National and Ministerial reward objects shall only be issued once to rewarded groups and individuals. The issuance, replacement, confirmation, revocation, and recovery of reward objects must ensure accuracy and timeliness.

2. Issuance of reward objects

a) National reward objects: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for receiving from the Central Board of Competition and Rewards after the President or Prime Minister issues the reward decision. When national reward objects are available, the Ministry will notify units to collect the objects within 30 days at the Ministry (through the Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda).

b) Ministry-level reward objects: After the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issues the reward decision, the Ministry will notify units to collect the objects within 30 days at the Ministry (through the Department of Competition, Rewards, and Propaganda).

3. Replacement and Confirmation of Reward Objects

a) For national reward objects: Groups and individuals requesting replacement or confirmation shall submit a proposal to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for review and submission to the Central Board of Competition and Rewards for replacement or confirmation according to the regulations.

b) For replacement and confirmation of Ministry-level reward objects: Groups and individuals requesting replacement or confirmation shall submit a proposal to the Ministry for replacement or confirmation according to the regulations.

4. Revocation, Recovery of Reward Objects, and Adjustment of Reward Forms

a) Individuals who fraudulently declare achievements to obtain rewards will have their reward decisions revoked and their reward objects and money recovered.

b) Based on the conclusion of authorized agencies determining fraudulent declaration of achievements to obtain rewards, the rewarding agency shall be responsible for proposing competent authorities to issue decisions to revoke reward decisions and recover reward objects and money. The application for revoking reward decisions shall be implemented in accordance with Clause 3, Article 78 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP of the Government.

c) Upon issuance of a decision to adjust reward forms, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall recover previous reward objects and organize the presentation of new reward objects.

Chapter VII.
Article 30. IMPLEMENTATION AND ORGANIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION

Article 37. Effectiveness

1. This Circular shall take effect from January 1, 2019.

2. Circular No. 50/2015/TT-BTNMT dated November 12, 2015, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment guiding the implementation of competition and reward work in the natural resources and environment sector, and Circular No. 18/2015/TT-BTNMT dated April 16, 2015, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment stipulating the awarding of the Commemorative Medal "For the Natural Resources and Environment Cause" shall cease to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect.

Article 38. Organization of implementation

1. The Director of the Department of Competition and Publicity shall assist the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment in guiding and inspecting the organization and implementation of this Circular.

2. Annually, the Department of Planning and Finance shall assist the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment in advising on the construction of budget estimates and the establishment of the Competition and Reward Fund in accordance with the provisions of the law for units under the Ministry.

3. Heads of units directly under the Ministry, Directors of Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Heads of Competition Groups, and Heads of Competition Clusters within their assigned tasks and authorities shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.

4. Ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, agencies under the Government, People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular./.