Joint Circular No. 39/TT-LB guiding the management and use of funds for the Program on Prevention and Control of Prostitution

JOINT MINISTERIAL GUIDELINE

OF THE MINISTRY FINANCIAL GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND USE OF FUNDS FOR THE PROSTITUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM NUMBER 39-TT/LB OF MAY 15, 1995

To implement Resolution 05/CP dated January 29, 1993 of the Government on prostitution prevention and control and Point 3, Part II of Decision No. 829/TTg dated December 30, 1994 of the Prime Minister regarding "some policies and measures to manage key areas in the socio-economic development plan for 1995," the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs provide guidelines for the management and use of funds for the prostitution prevention and control program (referred to as Program 05) as follows:

I- GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

1 - From 1995 onwards, the funds for Program 05 will be allocated and balanced within the annual state budget plans of central ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities. For central ministries, sectors, and agencies, it will be included in the regular expenditure plan. For localities, the funds will be incorporated into the local budget.

2 - In addition to the centrally allocated funds, central ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities must mobilize additional funding from local sources, contributions from the public, economic and social organizations, international aid, etc., to implement Program 05.

3 - Financial authorities at all levels must closely cooperate with the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to advise and assist ministries, sectors, and localities in strictly managing the funds for the program, using them for their intended purposes; prioritizing funding and timely disbursement to ensure project progress; while strengthening oversight and monitoring to ensure compliance with regulations and achieve practical results.

II- SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

1 - The centrally allocated funds supporting central ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities for Program 05 include the following items:

1.1 - Information dissemination, education, and mobilization for prostitution prevention and control.

1.2 - Financial support for medical expenses, living allowances, and vocational training for prostitutes according to the provisions set out in Article 2 of Decision No. 167/TTg dated April 8, 1994.

1.3 - Support for surveys, investigations, crackdowns, and dismantling of prostitution dens and networks.

1.4 - Reintegration assistance for individuals with difficult economic circumstances, at a rate of 200,000 VND/person. For those in extremely difficult circumstances, the maximum support level does not exceed 400,000 VND/person.

1.5 - Training sessions, seminars, and summaries of prostitution prevention and control activities.

1.6 - Awards.

1.7 - Support for directing prostitution prevention and control efforts.

1.8 - Subsidies for pilot social workers at the commune and ward level, up to a maximum of 120,000 VND/person/month.

1.9 - Support for repairing and upgrading facilities at centers for education, medical treatment, and vocational training for prostitutes.

1.10 - Assistance for purchasing essential living supplies for prostitutes in extremely difficult circumstances when they first enter the center. The maximum amount does not exceed 50,000 VND/person.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, based on the requirements for directing prostitution prevention and control work and the specific conditions of the sector and locality during each period, is responsible for providing detailed guidance on the use of funds for each item listed above and ensuring that the total expenditure does not exceed the amount announced by the Government in its annual plan.

2 - Local budgets and other supplementary sources for Program 05 include the following items:

2.1 - Ensuring the operation of centers for education, medical treatment, and vocational training for prostitutes according to current standards and norms.

2.2 - Based on the needs for prostitution prevention and control in their respective regions, localities may allocate funds from their annual local budget plans assigned by the Government or from surplus revenues that the local budget is entitled to under the current system of budgetary management to supplement the aforementioned expenditures as stipulated in Point 1, Section II of this Circular.

3 - Planning and allocation of funds for Program 05:

Central ministries, sectors, agencies, provinces, and centrally-administered cities must annually prepare financial plans for prostitution prevention and control work in accordance with the timeframes and guidelines provided by the Ministry of Finance for preparing annual revenue and expenditure plans, and submit these plans to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs for consolidation into the financial plan for Program 05, which will then be submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the State Planning Commission for approval by the Government and the National Assembly. The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the State Planning Commission, based on approved finances, the situation of prostitution and the implementation of activities by central ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities, and the contents specified in this Circular, will assign plans to relevant entities for implementation.

For funds allocated for the repair and upgrade of centers for education, medical treatment, and vocational training for prostitutes, units must develop projects and designs according to current national regulations on construction and submit them for approval by the People's Committee of the province or city.

4 - Disbursement and management of Program 05 funds:

4.1 - For central ministries, sectors, and agencies participating in Program 05, the funds will be directly disbursed by the Ministry of Finance based on the content of contracts or proposals approved and notified by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

4.2 - For localities, starting from 1995, the funds for Program 05 will be allocated and balanced within the local budget.

The Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, the permanent body assisting the People's Committee of the province or city in prostitution prevention and control work, is responsible for developing plans for the use and management of funds according to the objectives, contents, and tasks of each department, organization, and mass organization, and submitting them for approval by the People's Committee. Based on the approved indicators, they organize the signing of specific responsibility contracts with each department, organization, and mass organization.

The Department of Finance and Price Control is responsible for disbursing funds to departments, organizations, and mass organizations according to the approval of the People's Committee and the signed responsibility contracts; and together with the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, monitor and inspect the implementation of funds by units according to the approved plans and contracts.

5. Liquidation and settlement of contracts:

5.1 - Contract liquidation: quarterly and annually, departments, sectors, and mass organizations have the responsibility to report on the use of funds and the implementation of responsibility contracts with the agencies that signed them.

5.2 - Contract settlement: Based on the results of acceptance and contract liquidation, quarterly and annually, localities, ministries, sectors, and central agencies using funds from Program 05 have the responsibility to timely and fully settle the situation of fund usage with the Ministry of Finance according to the prescribed regulations, while submitting for review the settlement reports to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs for compilation and reporting on the settlement to the Government regarding the implementation of the National Program to Prevent and Combat Prostitution.

III- IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS:

This Circular takes effect from January 1, 1995, replacing Circular 58 TT/LB dated July 4, 1994, of the Joint Ministry of Finance - Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs. All previous provisions contrary to this Circular are abolished.

Any difficulties encountered during implementation should be reported to the Joint Ministry for consideration and resolution.