Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Law on Encouragement and Reward Number 39/2013/QH13

LAW

Amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Law on Encouragement and Reward

_________________

On the basis of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Law on Encouragement and Reward number 15/2003/QH11 which has been amended and supplemented certain Articles according to Law number 47/2005/QH11 and Law number 32/2009/QH12,

Article 1.

Amending and supplementing certain Articles of the Law on Encouragement and Reward.

a) Amending and supplementing Point c Clause 2 as follows:

"Article 4

The State implements rewards through summarizing achievements during various stages of revolution, rewarding based on merit and accomplishments, rewarding dedication throughout the process, and rewarding international relations."

2. Amending and supplementing Clause 5 as follows:

"Article 5

The goal of competition is to create motivation to encourage, attract, and motivate every individual and collective to promote patriotic traditions, dynamism, creativity, and strive to fulfill assigned tasks for the goals of a wealthy people, a strong country, democracy, fairness, and civilization."

3. Amending and supplementing Clause 2 and adding Clause 3 to Article 6 as follows:

"2. Principles of rewards include:

a) Accurate, public, fair, timely;

d) Ensure gender equality in competition and reward activities;

c) Ensure consistency between the nature, form, and recipient of commendation.

d) Combining spiritual encouragement closely with material incentives.

3. Ensuring gender equality in encouragement and reward."

4. Amending and supplementing Article 21 as follows:

"Article 21

The title of "National Vanguard Fighter" is awarded to individuals who have outstanding and excellent achievements selected from those who have consecutively twice received the title of Vanguard Fighter at the level of ministry, sector, province, or central mass organizations."

5. Amending and supplementing Clause 2 of Article 23 as follows:

"2. Having an innovation is a technical solution, management solution, operational solution, or application of technological progress to increase labor productivity, improve work efficiency recognized by the base or a scientific research topic that has been accepted and applied, or demonstrating intelligence and creativity in combat, serving combat, and completing tasks excellently recognized by the unit."

6. Amend and supplement Article 24 as follows:

"Article 24

1. The title of "Advanced Worker" is awarded to cadres, civil servants, and public officials who meet the following criteria:

a) Completing assigned tasks well, achieving high productivity and quality;

b) Adhering well to the Party's policies and state laws, having self-reliance and self-strengthening spirit; solidarity, mutual assistance, actively participating in competitive movements;

c) Actively studying politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills;

d) Having a healthy lifestyle and moral conduct.

2. Officers, non-commissioned officers, professional soldiers, and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army; officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Public Security Forces who meet the criteria stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article shall be considered for the title of "Vanguard Soldier".

3. The title of "Advanced Worker" is awarded to workers, farmers, and other workers not included in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article who meet the following criteria:

a) Effective production work, actively participating in competitive movements and social activities;

b) Serving as a model in adhering to the Party's policies and state laws; having good morals and healthy lifestyle, solidarity, and mutual assistance among community members."

"2. Serving as the focal point for implementing the settlement of expenses for civil servants participating in the supervision of currency destruction according to current regulations."

"2. Being the most outstanding collective in the competitive movement at the level of ministry, sector, province, or central mass organizations."

8. Amending and supplementing Clause 2 and adding Clauses 3 and 4 to Article 31 as follows:

"2. Titles and standards for commendation for individuals and collectives currently studying at schools or other educational institutions as prescribed by the law on education shall be defined by the Ministry of Education and Training or relevant ministries, sectors, or educational management organizations.

3. Flags of commendation at the military region, military corps, army corps, service branch, and equivalent levels under the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Public Security shall be regulated by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Public Security.

4. Regulations on titles and standards for commendation in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article must be agreed upon by the central state management agency for encouragement and reward."

9. Amending and supplementing Article 32 as follows:

"Article 32

Medals are awarded to collectives with many achievements; given or posthumously awarded to individuals with meritorious contributions, achievements, or a long-term dedication in agencies, organizations, or mass organizations."

10. Amending and supplementing Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 34 as follows:

"3. "Golden Star Medal" is awarded to collectives that have been awarded the "Ho Chi Minh Medal" and continuously achieved outstanding results for 25 years thereafter; internal unity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations.

4. "Golden Star Medal" is awarded to foreign heads of state who have made significant contributions to the Vietnamese nation."

11. Amending and supplementing Clause 2 and adding Clause 3 to Article 35 as follows:

"2. "Ho Chi Minh Medal" is awarded to collectives that have been awarded the "Independence Medal" first class or "Military Service Medal" first class and continuously achieved outstanding results for 10 years thereafter; internal unity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations.

3. Collectives that have been awarded the "Ho Chi Minh Medal" once and continuously achieved outstanding results for 15 years thereafter; internal unity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations shall be considered for the second award of the "Ho Chi Minh Medal"."

12. Amend and supplement Article 36 as follows:

"Article 36

1. "Independence Medal" first class is awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who have dedicated their long-term efforts in agencies, organizations, or mass organizations and achieved outstanding results with national influence and exemplary status in one of the fields of politics, economy, society, literature, art, science, technology, diplomacy, or other fields.

2. "Independence Medal" first class is awarded to collectives that have been awarded the "Independence Medal" second class and continuously achieved outstanding results for 10 years thereafter; internal unity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations."

13. Amending and supplementing Article 37 as follows:

"Article 37

1. "Independence Medal" second class is awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who have dedicated their long-term efforts in agencies, organizations, or mass organizations and achieved excellent results with national influence and exemplary status in one of the fields of politics, economy, society, literature, art, science, technology, diplomacy, or other fields.

2. "Independence Medal" second class is awarded to collectives that have been awarded the "Independence Medal" third class and continuously achieved outstanding results for 10 years thereafter; internal unity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations."

14. Amending and supplementing Article 38 as follows:

"Article 38

1. "Independence Order" third class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who have made long-term contributions in agencies, organizations, or mass organizations and achieved outstanding achievements with national influence and exemplary role in one of the following fields: politics, economy, society, literature, art, science, technology, diplomacy, or other fields.

2. "Independence Order" third class to be awarded to groups meeting the following criteria:

a) Have been awarded the "Labor Order" first class and for the next ten consecutive years have excelled in their tasks; internal unity, clean and strong Party organization, and mass organizations;

b) Have a history of construction and development of thirty years or more.

15. Amend and supplement Article 39 as follows:

Article 39

1. "Military Merit Order" first class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who have made long-term contributions in the People's Army, People's Public Security, achieved outstanding military feats, bravery in combat, support for combat, training, building forces, consolidating the whole people's national defense and security, or sacrificed heroically, recognized and set as examples nationwide by the State.

2. "Military Merit Order" first class to be awarded to groups in the People's Army, People's Public Security that have been awarded the "Military Merit Order" second class and for the next ten consecutive years have excelled in their tasks; clean and strong Party organization, and mass organizations.

16. Amend and supplement Article 40 as follows:

Article 40

1. "Military Merit Order" second class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who have made long-term contributions in the People's Army, People's Public Security, achieved outstanding military feats, bravery in combat, support for combat, training, building forces, consolidating the whole people's national defense and security, or sacrificed heroically, recognized and set as examples throughout the entire army and the entire People's Public Security force by the State.

2. "Military Merit Order" second class to be awarded to groups in the People's Army, People's Public Security that have been awarded the "Military Merit Order" third class and for the next ten consecutive years have excelled in their tasks; clean and strong Party organization, and mass organizations.

17. Amend and supplement Article 41 as follows:

Article 41

1. "Military Merit Order" third class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who have made long-term contributions in the People's Army, People's Public Security, achieved outstanding military feats, bravery in combat, support for combat, training, building forces, consolidating the whole people's national defense and security, or sacrificed heroically, recognized and set as examples within military regions, services, corps, arms, general departments, and equivalent units by the State.

2. The third-class "Military Merit Medal" shall be awarded to units in the People's Army and the People's Public Security Forces that meet the following criteria:

a) Have been awarded the "National Defense Order" first class and for the next ten consecutive years have excelled in their tasks; clean and strong Party organization, and mass organizations;

b) Have a history of construction and growth of thirty years or more.

18. Amend and supplement Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 42 as follows:

2. "Labor Order" first class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who are exemplary in implementing the Party's policies and State laws and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Have been awarded the "Labor Order" second class and for the next five consecutive years have achieved outstanding achievements with national influence and exemplary role or have made long-term contributions in agencies, organizations, or mass organizations;

b) Have particularly outstanding and sudden achievements or inventions, innovations, initiatives applied with high effectiveness at the national level; have outstanding scientific works or representative works at the state level; for workers, farmers, and laborers, have inventions, innovations, initiatives applied in practice with recognized effectiveness by central ministries, sectors, or mass organizations.

3. "Labor Order" first class to be awarded to groups meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results with nationwide influence and serving as role models;

b) Have been awarded the "Labor Order" second class and for the next five consecutive years have excelled in their tasks; internal unity, exemplary in implementing the Party's policies and State laws.

19. Amend and supplement Article 43 as follows:

Article 43

1. "Labor Order" second class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who are exemplary in implementing the Party's policies and State laws and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Have been awarded the "Labor Order" third class and for the next five consecutive years have achieved outstanding achievements with influence and exemplary role at the ministry, sector, provincial, municipal, or central mass organization level or have made long-term contributions in agencies, organizations, or mass organizations;

b) Have particularly outstanding and sudden achievements or inventions, innovations, initiatives applied with effectiveness at the ministry, sector, provincial, municipal, or central mass organization level; have outstanding scientific works or representative works at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level; for workers, farmers, and laborers, have inventions, innovations, initiatives applied in practice with recognized effectiveness by the provincial level.

2. "Labor Order" second class to be awarded to groups meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieved outstanding achievements with influence and exemplary role at the ministry, sector, provincial, municipal level;

b) Have been awarded the "Labor Order" third class and for the next five consecutive years have excelled in their tasks; internal unity, exemplary in implementing the Party's policies and State laws.

20. Amend and supplement Article 44 as follows:

Article 44

1. "Labor Order" third class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who are exemplary in implementing the Party's policies and State laws and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieved outstanding achievements with influence and exemplary role in the field under the ministry, sector, provincial, municipal, or central mass organization level or have made long-term contributions in agencies, organizations, or mass organizations;

b) Having outstanding and remarkable achievements or scientific works, artistic works, or inventions recognized as excellent by a provincial or ministry-level scientific council, which have been applied in practice and brought about high and practical benefits; for workers, farmers, and laborers who have achieved outstanding results in production or whose inventions have been applied in practice and recognized by the district level as bringing about significant benefits.

2. "Labor Medal" third class to be awarded to a collective meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results with wide influence and exemplary role in fields under ministries, sectors, provinces, centrally governed cities, or central mass organizations;

b) Having been awarded the "Prime Minister's Commendation" and continuously achieving outstanding results for five consecutive years thereafter; maintaining internal unity, setting a good example in implementing Party policies and state laws; having a development process of at least ten years.

21. Amend and supplement Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 45 as follows:

“2. "National Defense Order Medal" first class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals from the People's Armed Forces meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having been awarded the "National Defense Order Medal" second class and continuously achieving outstanding results in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security for five consecutive years thereafter, with wide influence and exemplary role nationwide or having a long-term dedication process in the People's Armed Forces;

b) Having outstanding and remarkable achievements or inventions, scientific works, or particularly excellent literary works at the national level on national defense and security recognized by competent authorities.

3. "National Defense Order Medal" first class to be awarded to collectives from the People's Armed Forces meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding performance in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security, with achievements having nationwide influence and exemplary value;

b) Having been awarded the "National Defense Order Medal" second class and continuously achieving outstanding results for five consecutive years thereafter; having clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations.

22. Amend and supplement Article 46 as follows:

“Article 46

1. "National Defense Order Medal" second class to be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals from the People's Armed Forces meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having been awarded the "National Defense Order Medal" third class and continuously achieving outstanding results in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security for five consecutive years thereafter, with wide influence and exemplary role throughout the entire army, the entire Public Security Force, or having a long-term dedication process in the People's Armed Forces;

b) Having outstanding and remarkable achievements or inventions, scientific works, or excellent literary works at the national level on national defense and security recognized by competent authorities.

2. "National Defense Order Medal" second class to be awarded to collectives from the People's Armed Forces meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security with wide influence and exemplary role throughout the entire army, the entire Public Security Force;

b) Having been awarded the "National Defense Order Medal" third class and continuously achieving outstanding results for five consecutive years thereafter; having clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations.

23. Amend and supplement Article 47 as follows:

"Article 47a

Clause 1. The third-class "National Defense Merit Medal" shall be awarded to individuals belonging to the People's Armed Forces who meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security with wide influence and exemplary role throughout military regions, military corps, military divisions, branches, general departments, and equivalent units or having a long-term dedication process in the People's Armed Forces;

b) Having outstanding and remarkable achievements or inventions, scientific works, or excellent literary works at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level on national defense and security recognized by competent authorities.

2. "National Defense Order Medal" third class to be awarded to collectives from the People's Armed Forces meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security with wide influence and exemplary role throughout military regions, military corps, military divisions, branches, general departments, and equivalent units;

b) Having been awarded the "Prime Minister's Commendation" and continuously achieving outstanding results for five consecutive years thereafter; having clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations; having a development process of at least ten years.

24. Amend and supplement Article 48 as follows:

“Article 48

1. "Military Merit Medal" first class to be awarded to collectives or individuals who achieve extraordinary outstanding feats in combat or support for combat, with motivational, educational, and exemplary effects nationwide.

2. "Military Merit Medal" second class to be awarded to collectives or individuals who achieve outstanding feats in combat or support for combat, with motivational, educational, and exemplary effects throughout the entire army or the entire Public Security Force or within a province or centrally governed city.

3. "Military Merit Medal" third class to be awarded to collectives or individuals who achieve outstanding feats in combat or support for combat, with motivational, educational, and exemplary effects throughout military regions, military corps, military divisions, branches, general departments, and equivalent units.

25. Amend and supplement Article 52 as follows:

“Article 52

Medals to be awarded or posthumously awarded to officers, non-commissioned officers, professional soldiers, soldiers, civil servants, officials, and defense industry workers working in agencies and units under the Vietnam People's Army; officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, civil servants, and officials working in agencies and units under the Public Security Force, or foreigners who have made significant contributions to the construction and defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

26. Amend and supplement Article 54 as follows:

“Article 54

"The Military Flag of Decisive Victory Medal" shall be awarded to officers, non-commissioned officers, civil servants, officials, and defense workers who have worked continuously for at least 25 years in agencies and units under the People's Army and have fulfilled their assigned tasks well.

27. Amend and supplement Article 55 as follows:

"Article 55"

"The Medal for Homeland Security" shall be awarded to officers, non-commissioned officers, civil servants, officials, and workers who have worked continuously for at least 25 years in agencies and units under the People's Public Security Force and have fulfilled their assigned tasks well.

28. Amend and supplement Article 56 as follows:

"Article 56"

1. "The Medal of Honor" shall be awarded to officers, non-commissioned officers, non-commissioned professionals, soldiers, civil servants, officials, and defense workers who have worked in agencies and units under the People's Army; officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, civil servants, officials, and workers who have worked in agencies and units under the People's Public Security Force, with achievements and fulfillment of assigned tasks, contributing to the construction of the People's Army and the People's Public Security Force.

2. The criteria for awarding or posthumously awarding the "Medal of Honor" to the subjects specified in Clause 1 of this Article are as follows:

a) The First-Class Medal of Honor shall be awarded to individuals who have contributed continuously for at least 20 years;

b) The Second-Class Medal of Honor shall be awarded to individuals who have contributed continuously for at least 15 years but less than 20 years;

c) The Third-Class Medal of Honor shall be awarded to individuals who have contributed continuously for at least 10 years but less than 15 years.

3. The criteria for awarding or posthumously awarding the "Medal of Honor" to the subjects specified in Clause 1 of this Article, who have served in coastal, island areas, or regions with extremely difficult economic and social conditions as prescribed by the Government.

29. Amend Article 57 as follows:

"Article 57"

"The Friendship Medal" shall be awarded to foreigners who have made significant contributions to the construction and protection of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

30. Amend and supplement Article 60 as follows:

"Article 60"

1. The title of "People's Armed Forces Hero" shall be awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Absolute loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with heroic actions, courage, intelligence, self-sacrifice, achieving outstanding results in combat, training, service support, maintaining security, order, and social safety, serving as a national role model;

b) Having valuable innovative ideas, solutions, or research projects applied in military activities, security, or socio-economic development, bringing about substantial benefits nationwide;

c) Possessing excellent technical and tactical skills, proficient expertise, continuously improving professional and political competence, excelling in all tasks, making significant contributions to the training of comrades in technical and tactical skills, expertise, and politics;

d) Demonstrating strong political resolve, good moral character, healthy lifestyle, promoting unity and cooperation, setting exemplary standards in all aspects.

2. The title of "People's Armed Forces Hero" shall be awarded to groups meeting the following criteria:

a) Outstanding achievements in combat, combat support, maintaining security, order, and social safety, absolute loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Courageous, intelligent, creative in combat and training readiness, leading the competition movement, making significant contributions to the development of the sector;

c) Leading the entire army and public security force in promoting innovation, improving technology, reforming leadership methods, achieving many successes in applying new scientific and technological advancements to combat, training, and operations;

d) Leading in the training and education of technical, tactical, professional, and political skills for cadres and soldiers, managing weapons and technical facilities safely and securely;

đ) Leading in implementing Party policies and state laws, setting examples in discipline, orders, and regulations of the People's Army and Public Security Force, promoting internal unity, cooperation, and solidarity between military and civilian personnel, ensuring good living conditions for cadres and soldiers;

e) Actively participating in local movements, trusted by the local population, setting exemplary standards in all aspects, having clean and strong party organizations and mass organizations.

3. The title of "People's Armed Forces Hero" shall be reviewed every five years, except in cases of outstanding and sudden achievements.

31. Amend and supplement Article 61 as follows:

"Article 61"

1. The title of "Labor Hero" shall be awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Absolute loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, demonstrating creative labor spirit, achieving high productivity, quality, and efficiency, making outstanding contributions towards the goal of a wealthy people, a strong country, democracy, equity, and civilization;

b) Making significant contributions to the development of units, localities, sectors, and the nation over a period of at least ten years, recognized by collective endorsement;

c) Achieving many accomplishments in scientific research and application of new technologies, having valuable innovative ideas, solutions, and scientific research projects, literary and artistic works that bring high returns nationwide;

d) Making significant contributions to the training and education of colleagues and younger generations, in guiding techniques, transferring technology, and production and business experience;

đ) Strictly adhering to Party policies and state laws, demonstrating strong political resolve, high sense of responsibility, diligence, perseverance, dedication to work, frugality, integrity, impartiality, and good moral character, healthy lifestyle, promoting unity and cooperation, setting exemplary standards in all aspects.

2. The title of "Labor Hero" shall be awarded to groups meeting the following criteria:

a) Having outstanding achievements in creative labor for the goal of a wealthy people, a strong country, democracy, fairness, civilization, and loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Being a leading exemplary collective nationwide in productivity, quality, efficiency, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the locality, sector, and the country for at least ten years;

c) Leading the nation in technological innovation, with many achievements in applying scientific progress and technology, in the movement of promoting initiatives and improving techniques, and in protecting the ecological environment;

d) Leading in training and enhancing the competence of cadres, civil servants, public officials, and workers in all aspects; being a model for other collectives to follow in terms of training and improving professional expertise;

đ) Leading in implementing and effectively executing the policies and laws of the Party and State, ensuring the rights of workers, managing capital and assets well, and guaranteeing absolute safety for personnel and assets;

e) Actively participating in local movements; being a role model in all aspects, praised by the local people; having a united and consistent collective; having a clean and strong Party organization and mass organizations;

3. The title "Heroic Laborer" shall be reviewed every five years, except in cases of outstanding and exceptional achievements;

32. Amend and supplement Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 4 of Article 62 as follows:

“1. The subjects eligible for the award of the titles "People's Teacher" and "Outstanding Teacher" include teachers and educational management officials.

2. The title "People's Teacher" shall be awarded to the subjects specified in Clause 1 of this Article who have been conferred the title "Outstanding Teacher" and meet the following criteria:

a) Loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Having good moral character, dedication to their profession, love for students, outstanding pedagogical talent, significant contributions to the education cause, wide influence within the industry and society, respected by students, colleagues, and the public;

c) Having directly nurtured and taught for twenty years or more; for educational management officials, they must have worked in the field for twenty-five years or more, including fifteen years or more directly nurturing and teaching.”

“4. The titles "People's Teacher" and "Outstanding Teacher" shall be reviewed and announced every three years on the occasion of Teachers' Day on November 20th.”

33. Amend and supplement Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 4 of Article 63 as follows:

“1. The subjects eligible for the award of the titles "People's Doctor" and "Outstanding Doctor" include doctors, pharmacists, medical technicians, nursing staff, technical officers, traditional medicine practitioners, traditional pharmacy practitioners, and health management officials.

2. The title "People's Doctor" shall be awarded to the subjects specified in Clause 1 of this Article who have been conferred the title "Outstanding Doctor" and meet the following criteria:

a) Loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Having good moral character, dedication to their profession, deep care for patients, outstanding talent, and numerous outstanding achievements in disease prevention, treatment, and the development of medical science and technology, significant contributions to the cause of protecting and improving public health, wide influence among the public, trusted and respected by patients and colleagues;

c) Having directly engaged in specialized technical work in the field for twenty years or more; for health management officials, they must have worked in the field for twenty-five years or more, including fifteen years or more directly engaged in specialized technical work.”

“4. The titles "People's Doctor" and "Outstanding Doctor" shall be reviewed and announced every three years on the occasion of Doctors' Day on February 27th.”

34. Amend and supplement Clause 2, Clause 3, and Clause 4 of Article 64 as follows:

“2. The title "People's Artist" shall be awarded to the subjects specified in Clause 1 of this Article who have been conferred the title "Outstanding Artist" and meet the following criteria:

a) Loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Having good moral character, outstanding artistic talent, significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of Vietnam, admired by colleagues and the public;

c) Having engaged in artistic activities for twenty years or more, specifically for circus and dance performers for fifteen years or more; receiving numerous awards from domestic and international art festivals, competitions, and performances;

d) After being conferred the title "Outstanding Artist," continuing to receive numerous awards from domestic and international art festivals, competitions, and performances.

3. The title "Outstanding Artist" shall be awarded to the subjects specified in Clause 1 of this Article who meet the following criteria:

a) Loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Having good moral character, artistic talent, a spirit of serving the people, admired by colleagues and the public;

c) Having engaged in artistic activities for fifteen years or more, specifically for circus and dance performers for ten years or more; receiving numerous awards from domestic and international art festivals, competitions, and performances.

4. The titles "People's Artist" and "Outstanding Artist" shall be reviewed and announced every three years on the occasion of National Day on September 2nd.”

35. Amend and supplement Clause 2, Clause 3, and Clause 4 of Article 65 as follows:

“2. The title "People's Artisan" shall be awarded to individuals who have been conferred the title "Outstanding Artisan" and meet the following criteria:

a) Loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Having good moral character, outstanding special knowledge and skills; having engaged in their profession for twenty years or more;

c) Making significant contributions to preserving and promoting cultural heritage values;

d) Being admired and respected by colleagues and the public; being exemplary in the cause of preserving and promoting cultural heritage values nationwide.

3. The title "Outstanding Artisan" shall be awarded to individuals who meet the following criteria:

a) Loyalty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Having good moral character, outstanding special knowledge and skills; having engaged in their profession for fifteen years or more;

c) Making significant contributions to preserving and promoting cultural heritage values;

d) Being admired by colleagues and the public; being exemplary in the cause of preserving and promoting cultural heritage values of the locality.”

4. The titles "People's Artisan" and "Outstanding Artisan" shall be reviewed and announced every three years on the occasion of National Day on September 2nd.”

36. Amend and supplement Clause 2 of Article 68 as follows:

“2. The "State Award" shall be reviewed and announced every five years on the occasion of National Day on September 2nd.”

37. Amend and supplement Article 69 as follows:

“Article 69

Medals or Badges shall be awarded to individuals who have contributed to the development process of ministries, agencies, political organizations, political-social organizations, social organizations.

Badges shall be awarded to individuals who have contributed to the development process of provinces and centrally governed cities.

The name of the Medal, the name of the Badge, the recipient and criteria for awarding Medals and Badges shall be stipulated by ministries, agencies, central bodies of political organizations, political-social organizations, social organizations, and Provincial People's Councils. Medals and Badges must be registered with the state management agency for emulation and reward at the central level.

38. Amend and supplement Article 71 as follows:

“Article 71

1. "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be awarded to individuals who set a good example in implementing Party guidelines and State laws and achieve one of the following criteria:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in emulation movements;

b) Having been awarded a Commendation from a ministry, sector, province, or central-level mass organization and consistently excelling in their duties for five consecutive years thereafter;

c) Achieving significant results or outstanding results with wide influence within a ministry, sector, province, centrally governed city, or central-level mass organization; for workers, farmers, and laborers, achieving significant results in production with wide influence within a district or equivalent level.

2. "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be awarded to collectives that set a good example in implementing Party guidelines and State laws, maintain internal unity, and achieve one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results with wide influence within a ministry, sector, province, centrally governed city, or central-level mass organization;

b) Outstanding achievements recognized in emulation movements;

c) Having been awarded a Commendation from a ministry, sector, province, or central-level mass organization and consistently excelling in their duties for five consecutive years thereafter.”

39. Amend and supplement Article 72 as follows:

“Article 72

1. Commendations from ministries, sectors, provinces, or central-level mass organizations shall be awarded to individuals who set a good example in implementing Party guidelines and State laws and achieve one of the following criteria:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in competitive movements;

b) Achieving significant results with wide influence within each field under a ministry, sector, province, centrally governed city, or central-level mass organization; for workers, farmers, and laborers, achieving significant results with wide influence within a commune, agency, unit, organization, enterprise, or cooperative.

2. Commendations from ministries, sectors, provinces, or central-level mass organizations shall be awarded to collectives that set a good example in implementing Party guidelines and State laws and achieve one of the following criteria:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in competitive movements;

b) Achieving outstanding results with wide influence within each field under a ministry, sector, province, or central-level mass organization;

c) Consistently excelling in their duties for two consecutive years, maintaining internal unity, effectively implementing grassroots democracy regulations, organizing emulation movements well; caring for the material and spiritual life of members in the collective; practicing thrift; fully implementing policies for all members in the collective.”

40. Amend and supplement Article 73 as follows:

“Article 73

1. The commendation form of political organizations and political-social organizations at the provincial level shall be regulated by the central bodies of these organizations.

2. The commendation form of military regions, military corps, armies, services, general departments, and equivalent units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security shall be regulated by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security after coordinating with the state management agency for emulation and reward at the central level.

3. The Government shall regulate the application of commendation forms for families.”

41. Amend and supplement Clause 2 of Article 74 as follows:

“2. Certificates of Merit include:

a) Certificates of Merit issued by the head of an agency or unit under a ministry, sector, agency equivalent to a ministry, or government agency;

b) Certificates of Merit issued by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board of Members, General Director, or Director of a business or cooperative;

c) Certificates of Merit issued by the head of a specialized agency or equivalent under a provincial People's Committee;

d) Certificates of Merit issued by the Chairman of a district People's Committee;

đ) Certificates of Merit issued by the Chairman of a commune People's Committee.”

42. Amend and supplement Article 75 as follows:

“Article 75

1. Certificates of Merit shall be awarded to individuals who meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achievements recognized in competitive movements;

b) Achieving exceptional results;

c) Fulfilling duties and civic obligations well, having good moral character, being united, and exemplarily implementing Party policies and State laws.

2. Certificates of Merit shall be awarded to collectives that meet one of the following criteria:

a) Outstanding achievements recognized in competitive movements;

b) Achieving exceptional results;

c) Successfully completing tasks; maintaining internal unity, setting a good example in implementing Party guidelines and State laws, effectively implementing grassroots democracy regulations, practicing thrift, and combating waste.”

43. Supplement Clause 4 to Article 76 as follows:

“4. The Government shall regulate the application of Certificate of Merit forms for families.”

44. Amend and supplement the title of Chapter IV as follows:

“Chapter IV Authority to Decide, Award, Procedures, and Files for Proposing Emulation Titles and Rewards”

45. Amend and supplement Article 79 as follows:

“Article 79

The Minister, Head of an agency equivalent to a ministry, government agency, President of the Supreme People's Court, Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, Director of the National Assembly Office, Director of the President's Office, Chief of the Central Party Office, Heads of Central Party Committees, and equivalent bodies at the central level, State Auditor General, leaders of the central bodies of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other mass organizations, and the Chairman of a provincial People's Committee shall decide to award Commendations, Flags of Excellence, titles of "Outstanding Labor Collective", "Victory Unit", and "Advanced Worker" at the ministry, sector, or provincial mass organization level.

The authority to recognize the titles of "Victory Unit" and "Outstanding Labor Collective" in the People's Army shall be regulated by the Government.”

46. Amend and supplement Clause 1, Clause 3, and supplement Clause 4 to Article 80 as follows:

“1. The head of an agency or organization under a ministry, department, sector, agency equivalent to a ministry, government agency, head of a specialized agency or equivalent under a provincial People's Committee, and the Chairman of a district People's Committee shall decide to award titles of "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Advanced Worker", "Model Soldier", "Advanced Labor Collective", and "Advanced Unit" and Certificates of Merit.”

"3. The Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level decides to award certificates of merit, the title of 'Advanced Worker', and the title of 'Cultural Family'."

"4. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Members, the General Director, the Director of enterprises and cooperatives decide to award the title of 'Model Worker at the Grassroots Level', the title of 'Advanced Worker', the title of 'Advanced Labor Collective', and certificates of merit."

47. Amend and supplement Article 83 as follows:

"Article 83

1. Commendation titles are reviewed and proposed from grassroots units under agencies, units, organizations, enterprises, and cooperatives. The management level responsible for cadres, civil servants, public officials, employees, or the heads of enterprises and cooperatives, the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level shall be responsible for examining and awarding commendation titles or proposing to higher levels to examine and award commendation titles and rewards, or proposing to higher levels to reward the objects within their scope of management.

2. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, agency under the Government, President of the Supreme People's Court, Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, Director of the National Assembly Office, Director of the President's Office, Secretary of the Central Party Secretariat, Heads of Central Party Committees and equivalent bodies at the central level, State Auditor General, leaders of central agencies of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other mass organizations, and the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level shall review and propose to the Prime Minister to recommend the President to decide on awarding orders, medals, the 'Ho Chi Minh Award', the 'State Award', and national honor titles.

The Director of the National Assembly Office shall propose rewards of orders, medals, and national honor titles for full-time members of the National Assembly at the central level.

3. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, agency under the Government, President of the Supreme People's Court, Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuracy, Director of the National Assembly Office, Director of the President's Office, Secretary of the Central Party Secretariat, Heads of Central Party Committees and equivalent bodies at the central level, State Auditor General, leaders of central agencies of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other mass organizations, and the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level shall propose the Government to decide on awarding the 'Flag of Excellence of the Government'; propose the Prime Minister to decide on awarding the 'Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister' and the title of 'National Model Worker'.

4. The head of the competent authority shall be responsible for the decision on rewarding made by their level and the proposal to higher levels for rewarding; shall be responsible for identifying, building exemplary models among workers, farmers, and laborers in various economic sectors for rewarding or proposing to higher levels for rewarding.

5. The functional agency responsible for commendation and rewards shall receive, review, and verify the files and propose to the competent authority to decide on rewarding."

48. Amend and supplement Article 84 as follows:

"Article 84

1. The file for reviewing commendation titles includes:

a) A document proposing the conferment of a commendation title;

b) Reports on achievements of individuals and collectives;

c) Minutes of the commendation review;

d) Certifications from the competent authority regarding inventions, topics, and initiatives in cases where the title of 'Grassroots Model Worker', 'Ministry or Sector Model Worker', 'Provincial Model Worker', 'Central Mass Organization Model Worker', or 'National Model Worker' is proposed.

2. The file for proposing rewards includes:

a) A document proposing rewards;

b) Reports on achievements of individuals or groups proposed for rewards;

c) Minutes of the reward review;

d) Certifications from the competent authority regarding inventions, patents, initiatives, applications of scientific and technological progress, or creative works.

3. In cases of proposing to award orders, medals, national honor titles, the 'Flag of Excellence of the Government', and the 'Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister', opinions from central agencies or provincial People's Committees related to the matter must be included.

4. The head of the agency or organization with the authority to grant rewards or propose to higher levels for granting rewards shall be responsible for publicly announcing the groups and individuals proposed for awards of orders, national honor titles, the 'State Award', and the 'Ho Chi Minh Award'.

5. Files for reviewing commendation titles and forms of rewards shall be stored according to the provisions of the law.

6. The state management agency for commendation and rewards shall implement the application of information technology and modernize the management of the commendation and reward work."

49. Amend and supplement the name of Chapter V as follows:

"Chapter V Rights and Obligations of Individuals and Groups Awarded Commendation Titles and Rewards"

50. Supplement Article 91a as follows:

"Article 91a

1. The Central Council for Commendation and Rewards is the advisory body for the Party and the State on the commendation and reward work.

2. The composition of the Central Council for Commendation and Rewards includes the Chairman of the Council being the Prime Minister, Vice Chairmen of the Council, and other members representing the leadership of Party and State agencies, central agencies of political-social organizations.

The Chairman of the Council decides specifically on the members of the Council.

3. The Central Council for Commendation and Rewards has the following tasks and powers:

a) Implement coordination between Party and State agencies, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, central mass organizations, and localities in advising and proposing policies on organizing competition movements and the commendation and reward work nationwide;

b) Advise and consult the competent authority on deciding to confer commendation titles and reward forms;

c) Regularly evaluate competition movements and the reward work; propose policies and measures to promote patriotic competition movements; advise on summarizing the commendation and reward work; propose amendments and supplements to the system and policies on commendation and rewards; inspect and supervise the commendation and reward work.

4. The specialized agency for commendation and rewards at the central level is the permanent body of the Central Council for Commendation and Rewards.

5. The Councils for Commendation and Rewards at all levels and the Councils for Commendation and Rewards at agencies and organizations are responsible for advising and consulting the Party committees, governments, and heads of agencies and organizations with the authority on the commendation and reward work.

6. The organization and operation of the Councils for Commendation and Rewards shall be regulated by the Government."

Article 2

1. This Law takes effect from June 1, 2014.

Prior to June 1, 2014, individuals who meet the conditions and criteria for commendation as stipulated in the Law on Competition and Reward but do not satisfy the age requirements set forth in this Law shall be considered and awarded commendations according to the provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward number 15/2003/QH11. The consideration and decision on commendation for these subjects will be carried out before December 31, 2014.

2. The Government shall provide detailed regulations and guidance for the implementation of this Law.

This Law was passed by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 6th session of the 13th term, on November 16, 2013./.