Joint Circular No. 41/2002/TTLT/BNN-BLDTBXH-BVHTT guiding criteria, procedures for recognizing the title of Artisan and some policies for them.

JOINT CIRCULAR

Implementing Decision No. 132/2000/QĐ-TTg dated November 24, 2000 of the Government on some policies to encourage the development of rural trades and crafts;

The Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, Culture and Information provide guidelines for standards, procedures to recognize titles and some policies for Artisans as follows:

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I. OBJECTS AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Vietnamese citizens working in small-scale industries, traditional handicrafts and folk arts of Vietnam

II. STANDARDS FOR RECOGNITION OF THE ARTISAN TITLE

People meeting the following criteria shall be considered for recognition of the Artisan title:

1. Being skilled workers with high levels of technical skills and artistic craftsmanship, capable of creating and reproducing models at a high artistic level that ordinary workers cannot achieve.

2. Adhering well to the policies and laws of the Party and State, possessing moral qualities that are highly esteemed and recognized by those within their profession or field.

3. Having works reaching a high artistic level, winning gold or silver medals in national or international competitions or exhibitions.

For those who do not have the opportunity to participate in such competitions or exhibitions, their works must reach a high artistic level recognized by the Central Recognition Council for the Artisan title.

4. Contributing significantly to preserving, developing, training, and passing down their craft to younger generations.

III. RECOGNITION COUNCIL FOR THE ARTISAN TITLE

1. The Central Recognition Council for the Artisan title shall be established by the Prime Minister upon the proposal of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

2. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is responsible for drafting and submitting to the Prime Minister regulatory documents concerning the organization and operation of the Central Recognition Council for the Artisan title.

IV. PROCEDURES, TIMEFRAME, AND DOCUMENTATION FOR RECOGNITION OF THE ARTISAN TITLE

1. Procedures for recognition of the Artisan title

a. The People's Committee of communes, wards, towns (hereinafter referred to as commune level) where the trades specified in Section I of this Circular are practiced shall organize selection, compile lists of qualified individuals, and submit written proposals to the People's Committee of districts, cities under district-level administration (hereinafter referred to as district level).

b. The People's Committee at the district level shall collect files submitted by the commune level, confirm them, compile lists, and submit written proposals to the People's Committee of provinces.

c. The People's Committee at the provincial level shall establish a review board to examine qualified individuals, compile lists (with attached files), and submit them to the Central Recognition Council for the Artisan title.

d. The Central Recognition Council for the Artisan title shall organize reviews, select qualified individuals according to the guidelines set forth in this Circular, report to the Prime Minister for signature of the decision and issuance of certificates recognizing the Artisan title.

2. Timeframe for recognition of the Artisan title The timeframe for organizing the recognition of the Artisan title is every three years.

3. Documentation for recognition of the Artisan title The documentation for recognition of the Artisan title includes:

a. Application form of the individual being considered for the Artisan title;

b. Curriculum vitae of the individual being considered for the Artisan title, confirmed by the competent authority;

c. Record of achievements of the individual being proposed for the Artisan title, confirmed by local authorities or direct superiors;

d. Certified copies of certificates of medals won in domestic or international competitions or exhibitions (if applicable);

For those who do not have the opportunity to participate in such competitions or exhibitions, their works must be recognized as reaching a high artistic level by the Recognition Council.

e. Minutes of the review and written proposals for recognition of the Artisan title from People's Committees at various levels.

V. POLICIES FOR ARTISANS

1. Receiving a certificate recognizing the Artisan title from the Government and a one-time monetary or equivalent material award equal to the prize given to Distinguished Artists and Teachers (2 million VND);

2. Organizing direct vocational training and collecting tuition fees from trainees based on mutual agreement, exempted from taxes related to vocational training activities as stipulated by law;

3. Participating in research, design, improvement of product models, and technological innovation to increase labor productivity, reduce costs, and diversify products from state-funded scientific research funds;

4. Enjoying copyright protection for their creations and intellectual property rights over their products according to the Law on Copyrights;

5. Receiving health insurance benefits as prescribed by law;

6. Paying only 50% or more of the cost for booth space at domestic trade fairs and exhibitions;

7. Receiving 50% support for airfare (round trip) when traveling abroad for observation, exhibitions, or study tours approved by the Ministry of Commerce, with the organizing body ensuring funding.

Based on the criteria for determining the Artisan title and the procedures and timeframes for review as stipulated in this Circular, People's Committees at all levels shall organize reviews, selections, compile lists, and complete files for individuals in their locality to propose to the Central Recognition Council for the Artisan title for those who meet the criteria.

This Circular takes effect fifteen days from the date of signing. All previous regulations contrary to this Circular are hereby abolished.

VI. ORGANIZATION AND GUIDANCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Vo Hong Quang

MINISTRY OF LABOR, INVALIDS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS