Decree No. 268/SL on the issuance of regulations for the establishment of the Northern Vietnam Autonomous Region

DECREE

CHAIRMAN'S DECREE NO. 268/SL

HA NOI, JULY 1, 1956

THE PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

Pursuant to the resolution of the National Assembly at its fourth session (March 1955) on the policy of establishing autonomous regions for ethnic minorities in areas with suitable conditions, aimed at strengthening unity among ethnic groups and creating favorable conditions for rapid progress of ethnic minorities in all aspects;

Pursuant to Decree No. 229-SL dated April 29, 1955 on ethnic policies;

In accordance with the resolution of the Council of Ministers in early June 1956,

ISSUES THE DECREE:

Article 1

Now promulgates the regulations on the establishment of the Viet Bac Autonomous Region.

Article 2

The Prime Minister and relevant Ministries shall be responsible for implementing these regulations.

REGULATIONS

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VIET BAC AUTONOMOUS REGION

(Issued by Decree No. 268/SL dated July 1, 1956)

PART I

NAME - BOUNDARIES - ADMINISTRATIVE STATUS

Article 1

To strengthen unity among ethnic groups and create favorable conditions for rapid progress of ethnic groups in Viet Bac in all aspects, the Viet Bac Autonomous Region is hereby established.

Article 2

The Viet Bac Autonomous Region includes the provinces of Cao Bang, Bac Can, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang (excluding Yen Binh district), Thai Nguyen (excluding Phu Yen and Phu Binh districts) and Huu Lung district of Bac Giang province.

The boundaries defined hereafter may be adjusted slightly according to the wishes and interests of the ethnic groups.

Article 3

The Viet Bac Autonomous Region is a part of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The administrative authority of the Autonomous Region is a local level of government under the direct leadership of the central government. Both the administrative authority and the people of the Autonomous Region must follow the general policies and laws of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam to manage affairs within the Autonomous Region.

PART II

ORGANIZATION OF THE AUTONOMOUS REGION'S ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

Article 4

The organizational system of the Viet Bac Autonomous Region's administrative authority consists of four levels: Region, Province, District, and Commune. The commune is the basic administrative unit.

Article 5

The administrative authority of the Autonomous Region operates under a centralized democratic system, meaning that leadership bodies at all levels are elected by the people; lower levels must comply with directives and resolutions of higher levels; in voting sessions, the minority must服从您的进一步指示。如果您希望继续翻译，请提供明确指示。

Article 6

The administrative apparatus of the Autonomous Region consists of the People's Council and the Administrative Committee. The membership of the People's Council must include representatives from all ethnic groups. Depending on necessity, specialized departments will be organized to assist in work.

Cadres and staff members of the administrative organs of the Autonomous Region must mainly be local people, selected from the ethnic groups within the Autonomous Region.

CHAPTER III

RIGHTS OF AUTONOMY

POLITICAL AND MILITARY:

, Clause 1, Clause 2 Article 7a of this Regulation.

All ethnic groups in the Autonomous Region of Vietnam enjoy all rights of freedom and democracy, and are equal in rights and obligations with other ethnic groups throughout the country.

When there is a general election for the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the people of the ethnic groups in the Autonomous Region have the right to vote and stand for election.

People from the ethnic groups in the Autonomous Region, based on their talent and virtue and the trust of the people, may participate in the organs of the Autonomous Region and central government organs.

Article 8

Based on the common laws of the State and taking into account the special situation in the locality, the autonomous government has the right to establish its own regulations. These specific regulations must be approved by the Central Government before implementation.

Article 9

The autonomous government has the authority to organize local troops, militia, and public security organs of the Autonomous Region to ensure the safety of the region and maintain order within it.

Local troops and militia in the Autonomous Region are components of the People's Army of Vietnam under the supreme command of the Ministry of Defense and General Staff. Public security organs of the Autonomous Region are part of the national public security organization under the general guidance of the Ministry of Public Security.

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL:

Article 10

Following the overall economic development plan of the country, the Autonomous Region will develop its own economic plan based on the specific circumstances and conditions of the Autonomous Region and consistent with the general plan's policy.

Article 11

Under the unified financial system of the country, the autonomous government has the right to manage finances within the region, that is, to independently manage revenue and expenditure within the Autonomous Region. The Autonomous Region will allocate a portion of its revenue to contribute to the national budget; when necessary, the Central Government will allocate a portion of the national budget to subsidize the Autonomous Region. The annual budget of the Autonomous Region is reviewed and approved by the Central Government.

CULTURAL AND SOCIAL:

Article 12

Ethnic groups in the Autonomous Region have the right to freedom of belief and the right to preserve or change their customs and traditions.

Any changes to customs and traditions in an ethnic group must be based on the wishes of the people of that ethnic group, and absolutely no orders or coercion should be imposed.

Article 13

Ethnic groups have the right to use their own language and script in all matters such as administration, education, propaganda, etc.

For ethnic groups currently without their own script, they temporarily use the national script; the Central Government will assist the Autonomous Region in researching a unique script for that ethnic group.

Article 14

The autonomous government has the right to establish schools, open hospitals, and organize cultural and social agencies for the ethnic groups in the Autonomous Region.

PART IV

PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION

Article 15

In leading the Autonomous Region of Vietnam, the departments of the Central Government must respect the autonomy of the Region and have the duty to help implement those autonomous rights.

Article 16

Departments at the center must pay attention to the characteristics and specific situations of the Autonomous Region, formulating policies that are both consistent with the general policies and strategies of the Government and suitable for the characteristics of the Autonomous Region.

Article 17

Departments at the center have the responsibility to assist the autonomous government in developing all aspects of politics, economy, culture, society, and in training and nurturing local cadres.

Article 18

The Central Government has the responsibility to educate and assist the people of the ethnic groups to treat each other equally, to unite and support each other, to eliminate narrow-minded and bigoted ethnic thoughts, and to jointly build a peaceful, united, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam.

CHAPTER V

SEPARATE PROVISION

Article 19

In the implementation of this regulation, if there are any unsatisfactory aspects, they shall be proposed for amendment by the local people, reviewed by the People's Council of the Zone, and submitted to the Central Government for decision by the People's Committee of the Zone.