Circular No. 36/2011/TT-NHNN guiding the work of competition and reward in the Banking sector

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Banking Industry

_____________________

 

Pursuant to the Law on Competition and Reward dated November 26, 2003, and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward dated June 14, 2005;

Pursuant to Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward;

Pursuant to Decree No. 96/2008/NĐ-CP dated August 26, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the State Bank of Vietnam;

Pursuant to Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV dated January 24, 2011 of the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding the implementation of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward;

The State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank) guides competition and reward work in the banking industry as follows:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides certain contents regarding the subjects of competition and reward; the organization of competition movements; titles and standards for competition titles, forms and standards for rewards; decision-making authority, procedures for proposing rewards; bestowing competition titles and reward forms; competition and reward funds; inspection, handling complaints and reports on competition and reward work; competition and reward councils and innovation councils at all levels within the banking industry.

Article 2. Applicability

Individuals and organizations belonging to the State Bank system, credit institutions, foreign bank branches, the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank, and individuals and organizations outside the banking industry who have made achievements directly and substantially contributing to the activities of the banking industry.

Article 3. Collectives in the Banking Industry

1. For the State Bank

a) Large collectives are: Departments, Bureaus, units, permanent offices of party and mass organizations at the headquarters of the State Bank, the Office of Banking Inspection and Supervision, the Representative Office of the State Bank in Ho Chi Minh City, the State Bank branch in provinces and centrally-administered cities, and affiliated enterprises under the State Bank.

b) Basic collectives are: Departments, Bureaus, and Offices under the Office of Banking Inspection and Supervision; sub-bureaus under the Bureau.

c) Small collectives are: departments (offices) and equivalent units subordinate to the collectives specified in point a and b of this clause.

2. For domestic credit institutions and the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam

a) Large collectives are: commercial banks, social policy banks, cooperative banks, the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, non-bank credit institutions.

b) Basic collectives are: departments (offices), centers at headquarters, main offices, branches, companies, and affiliated organizations of large collectives specified in point a of this clause, as stipulated in their organizational and operational regulations or charters decided upon by competent authorities.

c) Small collectives are: people's credit funds, microfinance organizations, departments (offices), transaction offices, and equivalent units subordinate to basic collectives specified in point b of this clause.

3. For foreign credit institutions

a) Large collectives are: joint venture banks, wholly foreign-owned banks, foreign bank branches, joint venture finance companies, wholly foreign-owned finance companies, joint venture leasing companies, wholly foreign-owned leasing companies.

b) Small collectives are: departments, offices, representative offices, transaction offices, and equivalent units subordinate to large collectives specified in point a of this clause, as stipulated in their organizational and operational regulations or charters decided upon by competent authorities.

4. For training institutions

a) Large collectives are: the Banking Academy, the University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City.

b) Basic collectives are: the Institute of Banking Science Research, centers, training facilities, institutes, departments (offices), schools, and departments subordinate to large collectives specified in point a of this clause.

c) Small collectives are: departments (offices), departments, and equivalent units subordinate to basic collectives specified in point b of this clause, as stipulated in their organizational and operational regulations decided upon by competent authorities.

5. For enterprises under the State Bank

a) Large collectives are: enterprises under the State Bank.

b) Small collectives are: departments (offices), workshops, sub-workshops, teams, and equivalent units subordinate to large collectives specified in point a of this clause.

6. For permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank

a) Large collectives are: permanent offices of associations.

b) Small collectives are: departments (offices) and equivalent units subordinate to large collectives specified in point a of this clause.

Chapter II

COMPETITION AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Section 1

COMPETITION AND ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

Article 4. Principles of competition and reward

Principles of competition and reward in the banking industry shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of the Law on Competition and Reward and Articles 3 and 4 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP).

Article 5. Registration of commendation titles and signing of competition agreements

1. Annually, large collectives as stipulated in Article 3 of this Circular (hereinafter referred to as units) shall be responsible for organizing individuals and collectives under their unit to register for competition and strive to achieve commendation titles; and compile the competition registration form (Form No. 1 attached) to send to the State Bank (Department of Competition - Awards) no later than January 31 each year for monitoring and as a basis for awarding commendation titles.

2. Annually, competition clusters, groups, and regions shall organize the signing of competition agreements between units within the cluster, group, or region and send the signed competition agreement to the State Bank (Department of Competition - Awards) no later than February 28 each year for monitoring. The targets, contents, organizational methods, and registration of commendation titles must be approved by the competition cluster, group, or region to ensure uniform implementation.

Article 6. Forms and Contents of Organizing Competition Movements

Implemented according to the provisions of Article 6, Article 7 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP and Clause 1, Part I of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV dated January 24, 2011 of the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding the implementation of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards and the Law amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV).

Article 7. Responsibilities for Organizing Competition Movements

1. The Governor of the State Bank (hereinafter referred to as the Governor) shall initiate, organize, and direct competition movements throughout the entire sector. The Department of Competition - Awards shall be responsible for advising the Governor on organizing, directing, and inspecting competition movements.

2. Heads of units shall be responsible for initiating and organizing competition movements within their managed units; conducting mid-term and final reviews of competition movements; coordinating with internal and external sector information agencies and press to publicize about competition movements and exemplary individuals and deeds.

3. At all levels, banking associations shall closely cooperate with unit heads to organize and implement competition movements.

4. Information and press agencies within the banking sector shall be responsible for regularly publicizing about competition and reward work; identifying individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements in competition movements, showcasing advanced models and exemplary individuals and deeds, promoting competition movements, and combating and criticizing violations of laws on competition and rewards within the banking sector.

Section 2

COMPETITION TITLES AND STANDARDS FOR COMPETITION TITLES

Article 8. Commendation Titles

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

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

Article 9. Standards for the Title "Advanced Worker"

1. The title "Advanced Worker" is annually recognized for individuals meeting the following criteria:

- Completing assigned tasks well, achieving high productivity and quality;

- Adhering strictly to Party policies, state laws, industry regulations, unit rules, and local regulations; demonstrating self-reliance, unity, and active participation in competition movements.

- Having good moral character and lifestyle.

- Actively studying politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills.

For female workers on maternity leave as prescribed by the state and those who have bravely saved lives or property and require medical treatment due to injury, their leave time will still be considered when awarding the title "Advanced Worker".

For individuals who have transferred within the sector, the new unit shall be responsible for evaluating and electing the title "Advanced Worker" based on the assessment from the previous unit (for cases where they worked at the previous unit for six months or more).

Individuals attending short-term training courses under one year, if achieving satisfactory results and complying with training institution regulations, can combine their work period with the training period to evaluate for the title "Advanced Worker". In cases where certificates do not include grading, evaluations from the training institution or unit head will be used for evaluation.

Individuals attending training for one year or longer, achieving satisfactory academic results, will be considered equivalent to "Advanced Worker" for that year.

The title "Advanced Worker" will not be awarded to individuals newly hired for less than ten months, absent from work for forty working days or more, or subject to administrative penalties or disciplinary actions of reprimand or higher.

2. The title "Advanced Working Collective" shall be implemented according to the provisions of Article 28 of the Law on Competition and Rewards and Point d, Clause 2, Part I of the Circular guiding No. 02/2011/TT-BNV.

Article 10. Criteria for the title "Outstanding Militia Soldier at the Grassroots Level"

Clause 1. The title "Outstanding Militia Soldier at the Grassroots Level" is recognized annually for individuals meeting the criteria specified in Article 13 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

Clause 2. For initiatives, improvements, proposals, or application of new technologies in operations that are process improvement initiatives, work methods, innovative activities, useful proposals, or new discoveries applied in daily work, contributing to enhancing the efficiency and quality of work of the unit, such initiatives, improvements, proposals, or applications of new technologies do not require registration.

Clause 3. Initiatives, improvements, work solutions, research topics, or applications of new technologies in banking operations are recognized by the initiative review board of the competent authority granting the title "Outstanding Militia Soldier at the Grassroots Level."

Article 11. Criteria for the titles "Outstanding Militia Soldier in the Banking Industry" and "Outstanding Militia Soldier Nationwide"

Clause 1. The title "Outstanding Militia Soldier in the Banking Industry" is awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

Point a) Individuals who are outstanding examples among those who have continuously achieved the title of Outstanding Militia Soldier at the Grassroots Level three times consecutively prior to the time of nomination.

Point b) Having initiatives, improvements, work solutions, or research topics with positive impacts within the entire industry. Such initiatives, improvements, work solutions, or research topics must be recognized by the scientific council or the industry's initiative council.

Individuals with "outstanding excellence" as stipulated in point a, clause 1 of this article are those who have been commended by the Governor during the period of evaluation for Outstanding Militia Soldier in the Industry.

Clause 2. The title "Outstanding Militia Soldier Nationwide" is awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

Point a) Individuals who are outstanding examples among those who have continuously achieved the title of Outstanding Militia Soldier in the Banking Industry two times consecutively prior to the time of nomination.

Point b) Achievements, initiatives, improvements, work solutions, or research topics of such individuals have positive impacts nationwide, recognized by the scientific council or the industry's initiative council.

Individuals with "outstanding excellence" as stipulated in point a, clause 2 of this article are those who have been rewarded by the Prime Minister or the President during the period of evaluation for Outstanding Militia Soldier Nationwide.

Article 12. Criteria for the title "Excellent Labor Collective"

The criteria for the title "Excellent Labor Collective" are implemented according to the provisions in Article 27 of the Law on Competition and Rewards and point d, clause 2, Section I of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV.

Article 13. Criteria for the titles "Flag of Competition of the State Bank" and "Flag of Competition of the Government"

Clause 1. The title "Flag of Competition of the State Bank" is awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

Point a) Collectives that are exemplary and excellent in their respective fields, regions, areas, or systems within the banking industry; successfully completing assigned targets and tasks for the year; recognized and esteemed as leading units in competition clusters, groups, or regions within the banking industry.

Point b) Possessing new factors or models for other collectives in the same region, area, or system to emulate.

Point c) Adhering well to the Party's policies, state laws, regulations, and internal rules of the State Bank, the unit, and the locality; maintaining internal unity, actively practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils.

Clause 2. The title "Flag of Competition of the Government" is awarded annually to collectives meeting the criteria as prescribed in Article 25 of the Law on Competition and Rewards, Article 16 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP, and detailed in point d, clause 2, Section I of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV.

Chapter III

CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

Article 14. Medals, Orders, State Honorary Titles, Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize, Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister

Shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III of the Law on Encouragement and Reward; Chapter III of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP and Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV.

Article 15. Certificates of Merit from the Governor

1. For Individuals

- Is an outstanding individual among those individuals who have twice consecutively received the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" immediately before the time of recommendation or have achieved remarkable achievements recognized during campaign periods initiated by the Governor;

- Successfully completed assigned tasks with high quality and efficiency, fulfilled civic duties well;

- Actively studied to improve political and professional qualifications; enthusiastically, conscientiously, and responsibly performed assigned tasks;

- Boldly struggled against violations of laws, negative phenomena, and corruption; promoted thriftiness and demonstrated responsibility in protecting public property.

2. For Collectives

a) Belonging to the State Bank system:

- Twice consecutively received the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" immediately before the time of recommendation or achieved remarkable achievements recognized during campaign periods initiated by the Governor.

- Successfully completed assigned tasks; effectively carried out state management functions regarding currency and banking; actively proposed suggestions for the construction of mechanisms and policies of the State Bank;

- Organized, maintained, and positively responded to mass movements, Party organizations, and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong for two consecutive years at the same time as the recommendation;

- In the collective, there were no incidents that negatively affected the unit's activities or the industry; strictly followed reporting and statistical systems; promptly resolved complaints and petitions within their jurisdiction; effectively implemented grassroots democracy regulations; practiced thrift and opposed waste; properly implemented policies and benefits for cadres, civil servants, and workers in the collective.

b) Credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation:

- Twice consecutively received the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" immediately before the time of recommendation or achieved remarkable achievements recognized during campaign periods initiated by the Governor;

- Successfully completed all assigned tasks comprehensively; the ratio of bad debt to total loans did not exceed 5% (for collectives engaged in credit activities);

- Effectively carried out inspection, supervision, and monitoring of activities of individuals and collectives within the unit; strictly followed information reporting systems as prescribed;

- Organized, maintained, and positively responded to mass movements; Party organizations and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong for two consecutive years at the same time as the recommendation;

- Promptly resolved complaints and petitions within their jurisdiction; effectively implemented grassroots democracy regulations; properly implemented policies and benefits for cadres, civil servants, and workers in the collective.

c) Banking Academy, University of Banking Ho Chi Minh City:

- Twice consecutively received the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" immediately before the time of recommendation or achieved remarkable achievements recognized during campaign periods initiated by the Governor;

- Successfully completed all training targets and plans assigned by the Ministry of Education and Training and the industry, ensuring good teaching quality;

- Organized, maintained, and positively responded to mass movements; Party organizations and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong for two consecutive years at the same time as the recommendation;

- Effectively organized and maintained scientific research work in a regular manner; strictly followed information reporting systems as prescribed by the State Bank and the Ministry of Education and Training;

- Effectively managed students; promptly prevented social evils from infiltrating schools; maintained a good educational environment in the school.

d) Enterprises under the State Bank:

- Twice consecutively received the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" immediately before the time of recommendation or achieved remarkable achievements recognized during campaign periods initiated by the Governor;

- Successfully completed targets and plans; strictly followed information reporting systems as prescribed; effectively carried out supervision and monitoring of activities of individuals and collectives within the unit;

- Organized, maintained, and positively responded to mass movements; Party organizations and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong for two consecutive years at the same time as the recommendation;

- Promptly resolved complaints and petitions within their jurisdiction; effectively implemented grassroots democracy regulations; properly implemented policies and benefits for cadres and workers in the collective.

đ) Mass organizations in the banking sector and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank:

- Twice consecutively received the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" immediately before the time of recommendation or achieved remarkable achievements recognized during campaign periods initiated by the Governor;

- Effectively propagated policies of the Party, laws of the State, and regulations of the industry; closely cooperated with Party committees and authorities at various levels in initiating and organizing mass movements and implementing grassroots democracy regulations;

- Organized, maintained, and positively responded to mass movements;

- In the collective, there were no incidents that negatively affected the unit's activities; promptly resolved complaints and petitions within their jurisdiction; properly implemented policies and benefits for cadres, civil servants, and workers in the collective.

For individuals and collectives outside the banking sector: have made significant contributions to the construction and development of the banking sector.

Article 16. Commendation Medal

1. The Commendation Medal "For the Cause of the Vietnamese Banking Industry" is a form of award granted by the Governor to recognize the contributions of individuals within and outside the banking industry who have made significant contributions to the construction and development of the Vietnamese Banking Industry.

2. The Commendation Medal is awarded only once to each individual and is presented annually on the occasion of the anniversary of the Vietnamese Banking Industry (May 6 each year).

3. Criteria for awarding the Commendation Medal to bank employees

a) Having worked in the banking industry for at least 20 years for males and 15 years for females, and having excellently fulfilled assigned tasks.

b) Bank employees who are automatically eligible for the Commendation Medal include those who were recognized as martyrs; those who participated in the preparatory committee for the establishment of the State Bank of Vietnam; bank employees who participated in the battlefield B from 1968 onwards; bank employees who were awarded state honors such as the Golden Star Order, the Ho Chi Minh Order, the Independence Order of all classes, Labor Hero, and leaders of the State Bank.

c) Bank employees who are given priority when considering the Commendation Medal include those who have worked in the banking industry from May 6, 1951 to May 7, 1954 and have continuously worked for at least 10 years when considered for the medal; bank employees who participated in battlefields B, C, K during the anti-American resistance period before April 30, 1975, with their working time counted double (one year equals two years) when considered for the medal; former bank employees who were sent to the army, volunteer forces, to study, or transferred to other industries but later returned to work in the banking industry, their working time is still counted as continuous working time in the banking industry when considered for the Commendation Medal; bank employees currently working and preparing for retirement if they have worked for at least 19 years and 6 months for males and 14 years and 6 months for females will be considered to meet the criteria regarding working time when considered for the medal (working time calculated up to May 30 each year).

d) The Commendation Medal shall not be awarded in the following cases:

- Those who have been disciplined with warnings or higher penalties.

- Those who are being pursued for criminal responsibility by law enforcement agencies or are involved in criminal cases without a conclusion from authorized law enforcement agencies.

- Those who have served or are serving sentences including imprisonment, suspended sentences, or house arrest.

4. Criteria for awarding the Commendation Medal to individuals outside the banking industry

Individuals outside the banking industry who are considered for the Commendation Medal "For the Cause of the Vietnamese Banking Industry" must meet one of the following criteria:

a) Contributing to leadership and guidance that contribute to the construction and development of the banking industry.

b) Proposing innovative ideas or conducting scientific research projects of practical value for the Vietnamese banking industry.

c) Contributing to the establishment and consolidation of cooperative relations between countries and international organizations and the Vietnamese banking industry.

d) Making direct and substantial material contributions to the development of the Vietnamese banking industry.

Article 17. Certificates of Merit from Heads of Units

Heads of units may grant certificates of merit to collectives and individuals meeting the following criteria:

1. For Individuals

a) Being outstanding among individuals who have received the title of advanced worker.

b) Fulfilling duties and civic obligations well; achieving regular or exceptional achievements.

c) Possessing good moral character, unity, and exemplary compliance with Party policies and state laws.

d) Continuously studying to improve professional knowledge and skills.

2. For Collectives

a) Being outstanding among collectives that have received the title of "Advanced Worker Collective".

b) Fulfilling assigned tasks well; achieving regular or exceptional achievements.

c) Maintaining internal unity, effectively implementing grassroots democracy regulations, and organizing good competitive activities.

d) Fully implementing systems and policies for members of the collective, practicing thrift and opposing waste.

3. For collectives and individuals outside the banking industry: Achieving many merits contributing to the activities of banks in the province or city.

Article 18. Commendation for dedication process

1. Forms of commendation for dedication to be awarded to individuals with outstanding achievements meeting the following criteria

a) Officials and civil servants who have held positions from Deputy Director-General and equivalent or higher in the banking sector, now preparing for retirement, retired, or deceased, having made many achievements and contributions to the revolutionary cause of the nation and the banking sector during their tenure, meeting the standards prescribed in Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP but not yet recognized by the State.

b) Officials and civil servants who have been awarded Labor Medals, Independence Medals, or Ho Chi Minh Medals for their achievements in work, now compared with the standards prescribed in Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP, if the previous form of commendation is consistent with the regulations, they will not be considered for commendation for long-term dedication; in cases where they meet the criteria for commendation at a higher level than previously awarded, procedures for recommending commendation shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations.

2. The criteria for those with a long-term dedication process shall be calculated according to Clause 2, Section II of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV.

Chapter IV

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND AWARDS; PROCEDURES, DOCUMENTS, AND PROCESSES FOR COMMENDATION

Section 1

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND PRESENT AWARDS

Article 19. Authority to decide on awarding commendation titles and forms of commendation

1. The authority to decide on awarding the title "National Model Worker", "Flag of Excellence from the Government", Medals, Orders, honorary titles of the State, and "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award" and Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 77 and 78 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

2. The Governor decides to award

a) The title "Model Worker of the Banking Industry";

b) "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank of Vietnam";

c) Certificates of Merit to individuals and groups;

d) The title "Excellent Labor Group" for groups specified in Clause 1 (excluding small groups under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency and small groups under the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces and cities); Point a Clause 2; Point a Clause 3; Point a Clause 4; Point a Clause 5; Point a Clause 6 of this Circular and groups that are microfinance organizations.

đ) Commemorative Medal for the Cause of the Vietnamese Banking Industry.

3. The Head of Banking Inspection and Supervision, the Director of the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces and cities, and the Heads of units under the State Bank of Vietnam decide to award the titles "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Labor Group" and certificates of merit to individuals and groups under their management.

4. The Heads of units: Credit institutions, Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, Banking Academy, University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City, enterprises under the State Bank of Vietnam, permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank of Vietnam decide to award the titles "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Labor Group" and certificates of merit to individuals and groups under their management.

5. The Governor delegates authority to the Heads of units:

a) State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities; credit institutions; Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam; Banking Academy; University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City; enterprises under the State Bank of Vietnam to decide to award the title "Excellent Labor Group" to groups under their management.

b) The Director of State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities to decide to award the titles "Advanced Worker", "Advanced Labor Group", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", and "Excellent Labor Group" to groups and individuals under the People's Credit Fund in their jurisdiction.

c) The Heads of Departments, Bureaus, and units under the State Bank of Vietnam to decide to award the titles "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", and "Advanced Labor Group" to individuals and groups under their unit.

d) The Head of Banking Inspection and Supervision to decide to award the title "Excellent Labor Group" to small groups under their management.

Article 20. Award Ceremony

1. The awarding ceremony for Orders, Medals, "Hero of Labor" honorary state title, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence", "National Model Worker", and Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit shall be conducted in accordance with the regulations of the Government.

2. For Orders, Medals, "Hero of Labor" honorary state title, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher" titles, and "National Model Worker": upon receipt of the commendation decision, the head of the unit shall develop a plan to organize the reception, submit it to the Governor (through the Department of Mobilization and Commendation). After receiving the Governor's directive, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation shall be responsible for preparing the awards and coordinating with the unit to announce and present them.

3. For "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" and Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit: upon receipt of the commendation decision, the heads of units shall independently develop plans, organize announcements, and present these honors to individuals and groups within their units that have been commended. Prior to organizing such events, the units shall inform the Department of Mobilization and Commendation to monitor the process.

4. For the announcement and presentation of national-level commendations to individuals and groups at the headquarters of the State Bank, this shall be decided by the Governor.

5. For commendation titles and forms within the authority of the Governor, the Governor shall delegate the heads of units to organize the announcement and presentation to those who have been commended.

Announcing and presenting commendation titles and forms provides an opportunity to honor exemplary individuals and groups, thus the organization must ensure solemnity, effectiveness, practicality, and avoid ostentatious formalism and waste. When organizing, it should combine with other contents of the unit to save time and costs.

Section 2

PROCEDURE, FORMALITIES, AND TIME FOR RECEIVING PROPOSALS FOR COMMENDATION

Article 21. Procedure and Line of Commendation

1. Heads of units at all levels in the banking sector are responsible for commending or submitting proposals for commendation to higher authorities for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and workers under their management. The level that initiates the mobilization campaigns shall select outstanding individuals and groups for commendation or propose to higher authorities for commendation.

2. In one year, no more than two national-level commendation forms (Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit, Orders of various types, National Model Worker title, and Hero title) shall be proposed for a single individual, except in cases of commendation for outstanding achievements. In cases where Orders are proposed based on criteria related to the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit, the individual must have received the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit for at least two years before being proposed for an Order.

3. Upon receiving the proposal, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation shall be responsible for reviewing the commendation titles and forms according to the laws and regulations of the State Bank; consolidate and submit to the Governor or the Industry Mobilization and Commendation Council for examination. If the proposal does not comply with regulations, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation shall notify or return it to the proposing unit within five working days; the proposing unit shall be responsible for completing the proposal and resubmitting it to the Department of Mobilization and Commendation within five working days from the date of receiving the returned proposal.

4. For the "Hero of Labor" title: the head of the unit selects and reports to the Governor (through the Department of Mobilization and Commendation) to seek approval for the policy. Based on the unit's proposal, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation reports to the Chairman of the Industry Mobilization and Commendation Council for comments, then submits to the Governor to seek approval for the policy to build a Hero of Labor collective or individual. Based on the Governor's comments, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation issues a notification to the unit. If approved by the Governor, the unit may not initiate the commendation procedure for at least two years.

5. For Orders and Medals of various types and categories: after receiving the unit's proposal, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation checks the proposal, reviews the achievements, seeks opinions from the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency (for credit organizations) or the Internal Audit Department (for State Bank units), and consolidates to submit to the Industry Mobilization and Commendation Council for examination. Based on the Council's review results, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation seeks opinions from the Party Committee of the State Bank before submitting to the Governor for decision.

6. For the "National Model Worker" title: after receiving the unit's proposal, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation reviews it, submits it to the Industry Innovation Council for examination and recognition of technical improvements, work solutions, research topics, or new technology applications, then consolidates and submits to the Industry Mobilization and Commendation Council for examination. Based on the Council's review results, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation seeks opinions from the Party Committee before submitting to the Governor for decision.

7. For the "Banking Industry Model Worker" title: after receiving the unit's proposal, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation reviews it, consolidates and submits to the Industry Innovation Council and the Industry Mobilization and Commendation Council for examination. Based on the Councils' review results, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation submits to the Governor for decision.

8. For the "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" and Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit: the Department of Mobilization and Commendation reviews the proposal, consolidates and submits to the Industry Mobilization and Commendation Council for examination. If necessary, it seeks opinions from the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency (for credit organizations) or some Departments and Bureaus of the State Bank (for State Bank units) before submitting to the Industry Mobilization and Commendation Council for examination. Based on the Council's review results, the Department of Mobilization and Commendation submits to the Governor for decision.

9. For the "State Bank Flag of Excellence"

a) For the Departments, Bureaus, Banking Inspection and Supervision Agencies, non-business units under the State Bank of Vietnam, and the State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities: based on the proposals of the units and the choices and recommendations of the competition groups, clusters, and regions, the Department of Awards and Honors shall review and submit for the Chairman of the Awards and Honors Council of the Sector to provide comments before submitting to the Governor for decision. If necessary, the Department of Awards and Honors may seek opinions from some Departments, Bureaus, and related units.

b) For state-owned commercial banks, social policy banks, cooperative banks, the Banking Academy, the University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City, the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, and their affiliated enterprises: the units shall select and propose among the collectives that have registered for the Flag of Competition. The Department of Awards and Honors shall review the files, compile them, and submit for the Chairman of the Awards and Honors Council of the Sector to provide comments before submitting to the Governor for decision. If necessary, it shall seek opinions from the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency and some functional Departments and Bureaus under the State Bank of Vietnam.

c) For other credit organizations not covered by point b, Clause 9 of this Article: based on the competition registration, operational results, and unit proposals, the Department of Awards and Honors shall select and recommend, send a document seeking opinions from the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency and some related units under the State Bank of Vietnam, then compile and recommend for the Chairman of the Awards and Honors Council of the Sector to provide comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

10. For other commendation titles and reward forms within the Governor's authority: the Department of Awards and Honors shall review the files and submit for the Chairman of the Awards and Honors Council of the Sector to provide comments before submitting to the Governor for decision. If necessary, the Department of Awards and Honors shall send a document seeking opinions from some related units under the State Bank of Vietnam.

11. For rewarding individuals and collectives outside the banking sector: the heads of units directly related shall prepare a report with a summary of achievements of the proposed individuals and collectives for reward, send it to the Department of Awards and Honors for review and submission for the Chairman of the Awards and Honors Council of the Sector to provide comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

12. For rewarding long-term dedication

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

- For retired or deceased senior officials of the State Bank of Vietnam, the Department of Organization and Cadres shall be responsible for preparing the application file for rewards.

- The head of the unit managing the official before retirement or death shall be responsible for processing the application for rewards. In cases where the last working unit of the official eligible for reward has been dissolved, split, merged, or consolidated, the head of the unit taking over its responsibilities shall be responsible for processing the application for rewards.

- The Department of Awards and Honors shall compile and submit for the Party Cadre Affairs Board of the State Bank of Vietnam to examine before submitting to the Governor for decision.

b) For cadres preparing to retire:

- One year prior to retirement, the head of the unit shall prepare the application file for rewards for officials meeting the criteria within the unit. The Department of Awards and Honors shall compile and submit for the Awards and Honors Council of the Sector to examine, then submit for the Party Cadre Affairs Board to provide comments before submitting to the Governor for decision. In cases where the official is a senior leader of the State Bank of Vietnam about to retire, the Office of the State Bank of Vietnam shall be responsible for processing the application for rewards for those meeting the criteria as stipulated.

- The Department of Awards and Honors shall be responsible for receiving the application files for rewards, conducting examination procedures, and obtaining confirmation from the Department of Organization and Cadres (except in cases where the Department of Organization and Cadres proposes) regarding the tenure of the position held by the person proposed for reward; disciplinary measures, reasons, and duration of discipline (if any).

c) The Department of Organization and Cadres shall be responsible for confirming in writing the tenure of the position held and disciplinary measures, reasons, duration of discipline (if any), and equivalent positions of the person proposed for reward; coordinating with related units to resolve complaints (if any) regarding rewards for officials with long-term dedication in the banking sector.

13. For the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Vietnam Banking"

a) For officials currently or previously working in the banking sector: the heads of units managing the officials (including retired, deceased, or transferred officials) shall prepare a report with files of cases meeting the criteria and correct target groups according to regulations for submission to the Governor for awarding the commemorative medal to individuals within their units.

b) For officials working outside the banking sector: leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly, Government shall be proposed by the Office of the State Bank of Vietnam. Individuals belonging to central ministries, agencies, mass organizations; foreigners currently or previously working in Vietnam, Vietnamese working abroad shall be proposed by the heads of Departments, Bureaus, and units directly related to their work. Leaders of provincial party committees, municipal party committees, provincial People's Councils, provincial People's Committees, municipalities directly under the Central Government shall be proposed by the Governors of the State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities.

14. For the title "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher", "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize": Implement according to the provisions of the Law on Awards and Honors, Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP, and relevant documents of competent state management agencies.

15. For collectives and individuals belonging to party organizations and mass organizations: Implement according to Clause 3, Article 53 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP and point b, Clause 1, Part III of Circular No. 02/2011/TT-BNV.

Article 22. Documents for Proposing Commendation Titles

1. Commendation titles and forms of reward within the authority to decide of the Heads of Units or delegated by the Governor shall be implemented by the Heads of Units based on the Law on Competition and Reward, Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP, Circular 02/2011/TT-BNV, and this Circular.

The examination of the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" must ensure a complete set of documents including: the proposal for commendation; report on achievements and summary of individual achievements (Form No. 3 attached), which clearly states innovative ideas, solutions to work tasks or application of new technology contributing to improving the efficiency of unit operations recognized by the unit's innovation council; minutes and results of secret ballot of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council, with the agreement of at least 70% of the members of the Council.

2. For the title "Model Worker in the Banking Industry"

a) Proposal for commendation from the unit along with a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Report on achievements and summary of individual achievements proposed for commendation (Forms No. 4 and 6 attached);

c) Minutes of meeting and results of secret ballot of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council, with the agreement of at least 70% of the Council members;

d) Summary report on the contents of technical innovations, work solutions, research topics, or application of new technologies confirmed by the scientific council or the unit's innovation council;

đ) Comments and evaluations by the Governor of the State Bank Branch in the province/city regarding the performance results, compliance with Party and State policies, and the State Bank's policies for individuals who are branch directors of credit organizations in their jurisdiction.

3. For the title "National Model Worker"

a) Proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Report on achievements and summary of individual achievements with confirmation from the unit and confirmation from the level submitting to the Prime Minister (two copies) (Forms No. 4 and 7 attached);

c) Minutes and results of secret ballot of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council, with the agreement of at least 90% of the Council members;

d) Summary report on the contents of technical innovations, work solutions, research topics, or application of new technologies confirmed by the scientific council or the unit's innovation council;

đ) Comments and evaluations by the Governor of the State Bank Branch in the province/city regarding the performance results, compliance with Party and State policies, and the State Bank's policies for individuals who are branch directors of credit organizations in their jurisdiction.

e) Individuals who are Heads of Units with obligations to pay state budget revenues must have confirmation from the financial agency regarding the contents stipulated in Clause 16, Article 53 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

5. For the title "Outstanding Labor Collective"

a) Proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Summary report on achievements of the collective proposed for commendation (Form No. 6 attached);

c) Minutes of meeting and results of voting of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council, with the agreement of at least 70% of the Council members;

6. For the title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank"

a) Proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Summary report on achievements of the collective proposed for commendation (Form No. 6 attached);

c) Minutes of meetings of competition clusters, groups, and regions, with the approval votes of units in the cluster, group, or region being at least 70%;

d) Comments and evaluations by the Governor of the State Bank Branch in the province/city regarding the performance results, compliance with Party and State policies, and the State Bank's policies for collectives that are branches of credit organizations under large collectives as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 3 of this Circular.

7. For the title "Flag of Excellence of the Government"

a) Proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Achievement reports (two copies) and summaries of achievement reports (two copies) of collectives with confirmation from the unit (Forms No. 5 and 8 attached);

c) Minutes of meetings of competition clusters, groups, and regions, and results of voting, with the approval votes of units in the cluster, group, or region being at least 70%;

d) Comments and evaluations by the Governor of the State Bank Branch in the province/city regarding the performance results, compliance with Party and State policies, and the State Bank's policies for collectives that are branches of credit organizations under large collectives as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 3 of this Circular.

đ) For collectives with obligations to pay state budget revenues, there must be confirmation from the financial agency regarding the contents stipulated in Clause 16, Article 53 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

8. Title "Heroic Laborer"

a) Proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and collectives proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Minutes and results of secret ballot of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council, with the agreement of at least 90% of the Council members;

c) Achievement reports (four original sets and twenty photocopied sets) of cases proposed for bestowal with confirmation from the unit submitting (signed, stamped), (Form No. 10 for individuals; Form No. 11 for collectives);

d) Confirmation from the financial agency for cases with obligations to pay state budget revenues according to the contents already stipulated in Clause 16, Article 53 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

Article 23. Documents for Proposing Reward Forms

1. Annual Merit Awards with Certificates of Commendation from the Governor

a) A proposal for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) A summary report on achievements of the individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 6 attached) must be signed and include full name, confirmed by the head of the unit (signed, stamped);

c) Minutes and results of meetings of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council;

d) Evaluation opinions and recommendations of the Governor of the State Bank Branch in the province/city regarding the performance and compliance with policies and regulations of the State Bank for individual branch managers of credit organizations in the area and group branches of credit organizations under large groups as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 3 of this Circular.

2. Medals and Certificates of Commendation from the Prime Minister

a) A proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Achievement reports (two copies) and summaries of achievements (two copies) of the individuals and groups proposed for commendation confirmed by the head of the unit (Form No. 4, 7 for individuals; Form No. 5, 8 for groups);

c) Minutes and voting results of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council;

d) Confirmation from the financial agency for cases with obligations to pay state budget revenues according to the contents already stipulated in Clause 16, Article 53 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

d) Evaluation opinions and recommendations of the Governor of the State Bank Branch in the province/city regarding the performance and compliance with policies and regulations of the State Bank for individual branch managers of credit organizations in the area and group branches of credit organizations under large groups as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 3 of this Circular.

3. Medals

a) A proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of proposed commendations (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Cross-reference lists of cases proposed for commendation (four copies) confirmed by the head of the unit (signed, stamped).

4. Unexpected Rewards

a) A proposal for commendation from the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) A summary of achievements prepared by the directly managing unit, clearly stating the achievements and merits proposed for commendation (Form No. 12 attached). In cases proposing commendation by the Prime Minister, the summary of achievements should be four copies.

5. Special Topic Rewards

a) A proposal for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Minutes of the meeting of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council;

c) Reports on achievements of the individuals and groups proposed for commendation. The report must be signed and include full name, confirmed by the head of the unit (signed, stamped), (Form No. 13 attached). In cases proposing commendation by the Prime Minister, there must be two achievement reports and three summaries of achievements.

6. Rewards for Long-term Contributions

a) For retired or deceased officials.

- A proposal from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

- A report on the work history of the individual, confirmed by the head of the unit. In cases where the official has passed away but meets the criteria for commendation, the unit should proactively coordinate with the Cadre and Civil Servant Department to prepare the report (Form No. 9 attached).

b) For officials about to retire.

- A proposal from the head of the unit or units assigned to prepare the commendation proposal;

- A report on the work history of the individual, confirmed by the head of the unit (Form No. 9 attached);

- Minutes of the meeting of the Unit's Competition and Reward Council (except in cases of commendation for the leadership of the State Bank).

7. Inter-departmental Rewards

a) A proposal for commendation from the head of the unit having direct relations with the individual or organization accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation (Form No. 2 attached);

b) Reports on achievements and contributions of the individual or group to the banking industry, confirmed by the head of the unit (Form No. 14 attached).

8. Commemorative Medals

a) For officials within the banking sector

- A proposal to the Governor signed and stamped by the head of the unit (Form No. 15 attached)

- A table detailing the work history of the individual (Form No. 16 attached), checked and confirmed by the head of the unit. For individuals currently working at the headquarters of the State Bank, the table should be checked and confirmed by the Cadre and Civil Servant Department.

- A consolidated table of the unit (Form No. 17 attached).

Specifically, for state commercial banks; Social Policy Bank; Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; Cooperative Banks; and Vietnam Development Bank, they do not send the table detailing the work history of the individual to the State Bank but retain it for preservation and record keeping (Form No. 16 attached).

b) For officials outside the banking sector

- A proposal to the Governor signed and stamped by the head of the unit (Form No. 15 attached).

- A summary of achievements and contributions to the development of the Vietnamese banking industry self-reported by the individual (Form No. 18 attached).

Article 24. Time for Submission of Application Files for Awards

1. Regular Awards

a) For commendation titles and award forms within the authority of the Governor:

- Units under the State Bank of Vietnam, banking industry organizations, must submit applications no later than January 31 each year. For the Banking Academy and Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, applications must be submitted no later than August 15 each year.

- Units under domestic credit institutions, foreign credit institutions, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, enterprises under the State Bank of Vietnam, and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, must submit applications no later than March 15 each year.

b) For the title "National Labor Medalist", applications must be submitted no later than April 1 each year.

c) For the title "Flag of Government Commendation", applications must be submitted no later than March 1 each year. For the Banking Academy and Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, applications must be submitted no later than August 15 each year.

d) For the title "Heroic Laborer", Orders, Certificates of Merit awarded by the Prime Minister, applications must be submitted no later than April 1 each year, except for special topic awards and emergency awards. For the Banking Academy and Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, applications must be submitted no later than August 15 each year.

đ) For the titles "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher", "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", implementation shall be carried out according to the regulations of the competent state agency.

e) For commendation titles and award forms within the authority of the heads of units, the heads of units shall specify.

2. Emergency Awards, application files shall be submitted immediately after the collective or individual has achieved outstanding results.

3. Special Topic Awards, application files for awards shall be submitted immediately after the completion of the program or special topic work.

4. Awards for Long-term Contributions, application files shall be submitted from January 1 to August 30 each year.

5. For the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of the Vietnamese Banking Industry", applications must be submitted no later than March 31 each year. In exceptional cases, the Governor will decide.

6. For awards of the State Bank of Vietnam, implementation shall be carried out according to the regulations of the competent state agency.

Article 25. Number of Flags of Commendation of the State Bank of Vietnam

1. At the State Bank of Vietnam.

a) For Departments and Bureaus at the headquarters of the State Bank of Vietnam, enterprises under the State Bank of Vietnam, and representative offices, the Governor shall present the Flag of Commendation annually to the leading unit in each Group (Policy Group, Logistics Group, Inspection and Audit Group, and other public service organizations). The determination of units in each group shall be implemented according to the decision of the Governor.

For units under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, the Governor shall present the Flag of Commendation annually to the leading unit in the inspection and supervision movement of the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency.

b) Branches of the State Bank of Vietnam in provinces and cities, the Governor shall present the Flag of Commendation annually to the outstanding unit in each competition area. The determination of units in each competition area shall be implemented according to the decision of the Governor.

2. Credit institutions, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other units in the banking industry: the Governor shall present the Flag of Commendation annually to the leading unit in each cluster, group, or system.

3. The Banking Academy and Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, the Governor shall present the Flag of Commendation annually to the outstanding unit in the training movement.

Chapter V

COMPETITION FUNDS, AWARDS FUNDS AND RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AND COLLECTIVES RECEIVING AWARDS

Section 1

FUND FOR COMPETITION AND REWARD

Article 26. The Commendation Fund.

1. Establish the Commendation Fund of the State Bank and the Commendation Fund at units (excluding Departments, Bureaus, and units at the headquarters of the State Bank) to serve the work of competition and commendation as prescribed.

2. The Commendation Fund shall be formed from state budget funds, contributions from individuals and organizations within the banking sector, outside the banking sector, and other lawful sources of income.

Article 27. Utilization of the Commendation Fund.

1. The Commendation Fund of the State Bank shall be utilized

a) To pay cash rewards or purchase gifts for individuals and groups that have been commended;

b) To cover expenses for printing certificates, commendation plaques, making commemorative medals, badges, competition flags, commendation frames, certificate frames, and boxes for commemorative medals for commendation titles and forms of commendation within the authority of the Governor;

c) To support the organization of competition movements initiated by the Governor and to organize meetings of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Sector. The Department of Competition and Commendation shall propose and submit to the Chairman of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Sector for decision in accordance with point d, Clause 1, Article 68 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP.

2. The Commendation Fund of units: shall be managed and utilized in accordance with Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP; Circular No. 71/2011/TT-BTC dated May 24, 2011, of the Ministry of Finance, and other documents issued by competent state agencies.

3. The establishment of the Commendation Fund of the State Bank branch in provinces and cities; non-profit organizations and other independent accounting units under the State Bank shall be guided by the Director of the Department of Finance and Accounting.

Article 28. Principles of Reward Distribution

1. Principles of reward distribution

Shall be implemented in accordance with Clause 2, Article 68 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP.

2. Responsibility for award payments

a) Individuals and groups within the banking sector who are commended by the Prime Minister, President:

- For individuals and groups within the State Bank (excluding non-profit organizations and enterprises) and individuals and groups outside the banking sector proposed by the State Bank, the State Bank shall pay the reward money.

- For groups and individuals within credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, non-profit organizations, enterprises under the State Bank, and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank, the reward money shall be paid by the proposing unit.

b) Individuals and groups who are commended by the Governor:

- For individuals and groups within the State Bank (excluding non-profit organizations and enterprises) and individuals and groups outside the banking sector, the reward money shall be drawn from the State Bank's commendation fund.

- For groups and individuals within credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, non-profit organizations, enterprises under the State Bank, and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank, the reward money shall be drawn from the unit's commendation fund.

c) Individuals and groups who are commended by the Governor of the State Bank branch in provinces and cities:

- For individuals and groups within the State Bank and outside the banking sector, the reward money shall be drawn from the State Bank branch in provinces and cities' commendation fund.

- For individuals and groups within credit organizations and foreign bank branches operating in the area, the reward money shall be drawn from the proposing unit's commendation fund.

d) Individuals and groups within credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, non-profit organizations, enterprises under the State Bank, and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank who are commended by the head of the unit, the reward money shall be drawn from the unit's commendation fund.

3. The method of calculation and specific amounts of reward money accompanying commendation titles and forms of commendation shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 70 to 76 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP and other documents issued by competent state agencies.

Section 2

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS; COMPLAINTS, REPORTS, AND INSPECTION OF COMPETITION AND COMMENDATION WORK

Article 29. Rights and Obligations of Individuals and Collectives

1. Implement as prescribed in Articles 77, 78, and 79 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

2. Annually, individuals who have been awarded the title of Model Soldier at the grassroots level or a Certificate of Merit from the Governor or higher shall be considered for early salary increase, given priority for training, research, and professional development both domestically and internationally.

Article 30. Complaints, Accusations, and Resolution of Complaints and Accusations

1. Complaints, accusations, and resolution of complaints and accusations shall be implemented as prescribed in Articles 82 and 83 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

2. The Department of Motivation and Awards shall coordinate with the Banking Inspection Agency and the Department of Organization and Cadres to resolve complaints and accusations related to motivation and award activities within the banking sector according to the legal procedures for handling complaints and accusations.

Article 31. Inspection of Motivation and Award Activities

1. The Department of Motivation and Awards shall be responsible for inspecting motivation and award activities in all units within the industry.

2. Heads of units shall be responsible for inspecting motivation and award activities within their respective units.

Chapter VI

MOTIVATION AND AWARD COUNCILS AND INNOVATION COUNCILS AT ALL LEVELS

Article 32. Establishment of Motivation and Award Councils and Innovation Councils at All Levels in the Banking Sector

1. At the State Bank, the National Banking Motivation and Award Council and the National Banking Innovation Council shall be established. At each unit, the unit's Motivation and Award Council and Innovation Council shall be established.

2. The Governor shall decide on the establishment of the National Banking Motivation and Award Council and the National Banking Innovation Council.

3. Heads of units shall decide on the establishment of the unit's Motivation and Award Council and Innovation Council.

Article 33. Composition of the National Banking Innovation Council

1. Chairman: Governor or Deputy Governor;

2. Vice-Chairman: Head of the Department of Motivation and Awards;

3. Members and Secretary proposed by the Department of Motivation and Awards and decided upon by the Governor.

Article 34. Composition of Innovation Councils of Units

1. Chairman: Head or Deputy Head of the Unit;

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

3. Members are those with professional management qualifications and the ability to evaluate and appraise innovations or solutions in management and organizational implementation tasks of the unit. The Head of the Unit decides the number of members of the unit's Innovation Council.

4. Secretary: Head of the Department (or Section) or staff engaged in motivation and awards work.

Article 35. Composition of the National Banking Motivation and Award Council

1. Chairman: Governor or Deputy Governor;

2. Vice-Chairman: Head of the Department of Motivation and Awards;

3. Members: Permanent Standing Secretary of the Party Committee of the Central Bank; Permanent Standing Vice-Chairman of the Vietnam Banking Federation; Head of the Department of Organization and Cadres; Director of the Office of the State Bank; Director of Banking Inspection and Supervision; Head of the Internal Audit Department; Head of the Monetary Policy Department; Head of the Finance and Accounting Department; Deputy Head of the Department of Motivation and Awards.

4. Secretary: Head of the General Department, Department of Motivation and Awards.

Article 36. Composition of Motivation and Award Councils of Units under the State Bank

1. Chairman: Head of the Unit;

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

3. Members: representatives of the party committee (branch committee) and other members are key cadres of the unit decided by the Head of the Unit based on the principle that the number does not exceed nine members.

4. Secretary: staff engaged in motivation and awards work.

Article 37. Members of the Competition and Reward Council of credit organizations, foreign bank branches, and the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation

1. Chairman: Chairman of the Board of Directors or Chairman of the Board of Members. For foreign credit organizations, it is the General Director;

2. Vice-Chairman: General Director (Director) or Chairman of the Trade Union. For foreign credit organizations, it is the Deputy General Director or Chairman of the Trade Union;

3. Members: representatives of the Party Committee (Branch Committee) and other members who are key officials of the unit, decided by the head of the unit on the principle that the number does not exceed eleven members.

4. Secretary: Deputy Head of the Competition and Reward Department or staff engaged in competition and reward work.

Article 38. Members of the Competition and Reward Council of the permanent office of the association

1. Chairman: General Secretary;

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

3. Other members are decided by the head of the unit on the principle that the number does not exceed seven members;

4. Secretary: Chief of the Office.

Article 39. Principles of operation, tasks, and powers of the Competition and Reward Councils at all levels

1. The specific principles of operation, tasks, and powers of the Competition and Reward Council and the Innovation Council of the Banking Industry shall be implemented according to the Working Regulations prescribed by the Governor.

2. The specific principles of operation, tasks, and powers of the Competition and Reward Councils and Innovation Councils at all levels shall be prescribed by the heads of units.

Chapter VII

MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITION AND REWARD FILES

Article 40. Management of files at the State Bank

1. The Department of Competition and Reward is responsible for monitoring lists of outstanding models; files of commendation titles and reward forms within the authority of the Governor and above; related documents concerning competition and reward work in the banking industry.

2. At the end of each year, the Department of Competition and Reward is responsible for selecting necessary files to process for storage according to regulations.

Article 41. Management of files at units

1. Organize management and storage of all files related to competition and reward work according to regulations.

2. For detailed reports on achievements proposed for commendation titles and reward forms of individuals and groups within the authority to grant rewards of the Governor, the proposing unit shall organize storage according to regulations without sending the application file for rewards to the State Bank.

3. Lists of individuals and groups registering to participate in competitions; annual registration for commendation titles of Departments, Bureaus, Offices, Supervisory and Inspection Agencies, affiliated enterprises, representative offices, State Bank branches in provinces and cities, credit organizations, and units shall organize storage according to regulations, only sending the consolidated list of participants' registration and registration for commendation titles to the State Bank.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTIVE PROVISIONS

Article 42. Organization and machinery for competition and reward work

1. The Department of Competition and Reward is a unit under the State Bank with the function of advising the Governor to implement state management over competition and reward work in the banking industry.

2. Supervisory and Inspection Agencies; State Bank branches in provinces and cities; Banking Academy; Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking; National Banknote Printing Factory, each unit shall allocate at least one staff member to handle competition and reward work. For Supervisory and Inspection Agencies, competition and reward work is located in the Agency's Office; for State Bank branches in provinces and cities, competition and reward work is located in the Administrative and Human Resources Department; for the Banking Academy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, and National Banknote Printing Factory, competition and reward work is located in the Organization and Administration Department.

3. Each Department, Bureau, and affiliated enterprise under the State Bank shall allocate one civil servant to concurrently handle competition and reward work.

4. At state commercial banks, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, cooperative banks, establish departments (bureaus) directly under the unit's head to advise the head in managing competition and reward work within the unit. For branches and affiliated units with 500 employees or more, allocate one specialist staff member to handle competition and reward work.

5. Other units shall allocate staff based on workload to ensure effective implementation of competition and reward work.

Article 43. Report on Competition and Reward Work

1. At the end of each year's activities, units shall summarize and evaluate their competition and reward work and submit reports to the State Bank (through the Department of Competition and Reward) before January 15 of the following year.

2. When launching competitions and after each competition period, units shall be responsible for submitting reports to the State Bank (through the Department of Competition and Reward) for monitoring and as a basis for awarding rewards.

Article 44. Responsibilities and Implementation Provisions

1. The Department of Competition and Reward shall take the lead and coordinate with units within the banking sector to implement this Circular.

2. Based on the results of operations and annual reward situations of units, the Department of Competition and Reward shall be responsible for:

a) Proposing specific quantities of competition flags for each unit, competition group, and competition region to be submitted to the Governor for decision.

b) Advising the Governor to establish the ratio of "Model Worker" titles and "Outstanding Labor Collective" titles for each unit.

c) Advising the Governor to set contribution levels from each credit institution to the State Bank's Competition and Reward Fund for use as stipulated in point b and c, Clause 1, Article 27 of this Circular.

3. This Circular shall take effect from January 25, 2012, replacing Decision No. 40/2006/QD-NHNN dated August 17, 2006, issued by the Governor of the State Bank on the Competition and Reward Regulations for the Banking Sector; and Decision No. 140/2005/QD-NHNN dated February 7, 2005, issued by the Governor of the State Bank on the Regulations for Awarding Commemorative Medals "For the Vietnam Banking Cause".

4. Heads of units shall be responsible for implementing this Circular and concretizing standards and regulations suitable to the scale and nature of their units' operations. For the Central People's Credit Union during the period before it is converted into a Cooperative Bank under the Law on Credit Organizations, competition and reward work shall be carried out as specified for Cooperative Banks in this Circular./.