Decree No. 37-CP on the Tasks, Authorities, and Organizational Structure of the Government's Religious Committee

DECREE

Regarding the tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Governmental Religious Committee

THE GOVERNMENT

Pursuant to the Government Organization Law dated September 30, 1992;

Pursuant to Decree No. 15-CP dated March 2, 1993 of the Government on the tasks, powers, and state management responsibilities of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies;

Considering the proposal of the Chairman of the Governmental Religious Committee and the Minister, Chairman of the Government's Organizational and Cadre Affairs Committee;

DECREE:

Article 1. The Governmental Religious Committee is an agency under the Government, with the function of managing state affairs related to religious activities nationwide; it serves as the coordinating link between sectors regarding religious work, and maintains contact with religious organizations.

Article 2The Governmental Religious Committee has the following tasks and powers:

1. Drafting or collaborating with Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, governmental agencies, and relevant organizations to draft projects for laws, regulations, and policies related to religion for submission to the Government.

Issuing or jointly issuing with relevant sectors within their authority guiding documents and organizing the implementation of laws, regulations, and policies related to religion.

2. Based on legal provisions, submitting to the Government for decisions on recognizing religious organizations, and maintaining regular contact with religious organizations.

3. Coordinating with relevant agencies in guiding religious organizations and religious dignitaries in conducting international relations in accordance with the law.

4. Resolving issues related to religion and religious work within the authority defined by the Government.

5. Inspecting sectors, levels, organizations, and individuals within the country, as well as foreign organizations and individuals operating on Vietnamese territory, in compliance with and enforcement of legal provisions concerning religious activities.

6. Implementing scientific research and international relations work in the field of the Committee's operations as prescribed by the Government.

7. Organizing training and capacity building for civil servants in the Committee's operational field.

8. Managing the organization, staffing, and state assets allocated to the Committee according to current regulations.

Article 3. The organizational structure of the Governmental Religious Committee includes:

The Christian Department,

International Relations Department,

The Buddhist Department,

Office,

The Other Religions Department,

The General Department.

The tasks, powers, organization, and staffing of these units shall be regulated by the Chairman of the Governmental Religious Committee within the total number of positions already stipulated by the Government for the Committee.

Article 4. The Governmental Religious Committee is headed by its Chairman. The Chairman is responsible to the Prime Minister for all activities of the Committee. Deputy Chairmen assist the Chairman. The Chairman and Deputy Chairmen are appointed and relieved of duty by the Prime Minister.

Article 5. The establishment of provincial and centrally-administered city Religious Committees is decided by the Prime Minister based on the proposal of the People's Council Chairman of the province or centrally-administered city, the Chairman of the Governmental Religious Committee, and the opinion of the Minister, Chairman of the Government's Organizational and Cadre Affairs Committee.

Article 6.This Decree takes effect from the date of issuance. Decree No. 85-HĐBT dated March 27, 1985 of the Council of Ministers on the establishment of the Governmental Religious Committee is repealed.

The Chairman of the Governmental Religious Committee, Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of governmental agencies, Chairmen of the People's Councils of provinces and centrally-administered cities are responsible for implementing this Decree./.