Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP detailing the implementation of the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards in 2013

DECREE

Detailed implementation regulations for the Law amending and supplementing certain articles

of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward in 2013

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Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Pursuant to the Law amending and supplementing certain articles of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward dated November 16, 2013;

At the request of the Minister of Home Affairs,

The Government issues this Decree detailing the implementation of the Law amending and supplementing certain articles of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward in 2013.

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree details the implementation of some clauses of Article 1 of the Law amending and supplementing certain articles of the Law on Encouragement of Competition and Reward in 2013.

Article 2. Principles of Reward

1. Achievements obtained under difficult conditions and with significant impact shall be rewarded at a higher level. Emphasis shall be placed on rewarding individuals who are directly engaged in labor, work, or combat (workers, farmers, soldiers) and those who have made many innovations in their work or duties.

2. When considering rewards for the head of an agency, organization, or unit, it must be based on the achievements of the collective led by that individual.

3. For female leaders and managers, the period of holding office to be considered for reward may be reduced by three years compared to the general provision.

For rewards for economic and social tasks, when there are multiple individuals or collectives meeting the criteria, preference shall be given to selecting female individuals and collectives with a female ratio of seventy percent or more for consideration of reward.

4. The time for proposing subsequent rewards is calculated from the date of the previous award decision.

Article 3. Title "National Model Worker"

1. The title "National Model Worker" shall be awarded to individuals with outstanding and exemplary achievements selected from those who have consecutively achieved the title of Model Worker at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level twice.

2. Proposals, research topics for science and technology to serve as grounds for awarding the title "National Model Worker" must achieve high effectiveness and have nationwide influence.

The Proposal Council, the Science Council at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level shall assist the head in reviewing, recognizing, and evaluating the extent of influence of proposals, research topics.

3. Bravery and creativity in combat or support for combat to serve as grounds for awarding the title "National Model Worker" must achieve high effectiveness and have nationwide influence.

The Council for Encouragement of Competition and Reward of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security shall assist the Minister in reviewing and recognizing bravery and creativity in combat or support for combat.

4. The title "National Model Worker" shall be conferred after achieving the title of Model Worker at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level for the second consecutive year.

Article 4. Title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level"

1. The title of "Grassroots-Level Labor Medalist" shall be awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Is "Advanced Laborer" or "Advanced Soldier";

b) Has an innovation which is a technical solution, management solution, operational solution, or application of technological progress to increase labor productivity or work efficiency recognized by the grassroots level, or has a research topic that has been accepted and applied, or has shown bravery and creativity in combat or support for combat, completing tasks excellently, recognized by the agency, organization, or unit.

2. The evaluation of the impact of innovations and research topics shall be assisted by the Innovation Council and the Science Council at the grassroots level to help the head of the agency, organization, or unit review and recognize them. The evaluation of the impact of bravery and creativity in combat or support for combat shall be assisted by the Council for Encouragement of Competition and Reward at the grassroots level to help the head of the agency, organization, or unit review and recognize them.

3. The Innovation Council and the Science Council at the grassroots level shall be established by the head of the agency, organization, or unit authorized to confer the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level". Members of the Council include experts in fields related to the content of innovations and research topics, and other members if necessary.

Article 5. The title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier"

Clause 1. The title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier" shall be awarded to individuals who meet the criteria specified in Clause 6, Article 1 of the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competitions and Awards 2013.

Clause 2. For individuals participating in combat, serving in combat, or performing brave actions to save people or property leading to injuries requiring treatment and convalescence according to the conclusion of medical facilities, the treatment and convalescence period shall be counted towards consideration for the award of the title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier".

Clause 3. Individuals assigned to participate in short-term training or enhancement programs under one year, complying with the regulations of the training or enhancement facility, their study time shall be counted towards their working time at the agency or unit for the purpose of being considered for the title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier". In cases where individuals are assigned to participate in training or enhancement programs for one year or more, comply with the regulations of the training or enhancement facility, and have satisfactory academic results, they shall be considered for the award of the title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier".

Clause 4. Maternity leave time as prescribed shall be counted towards the consideration for the title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier".

Clause 5. For individuals transferred to new agencies, organizations, or units, the new agency, organization, or unit shall be responsible for considering and voting for the title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier" (in cases where the individual has worked at the previous agency for six months or more, the opinion of the previous agency must be obtained).

In cases where individuals are reassigned or seconded to other agencies or units for a certain period of time, the consideration and voting for the title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier" shall be decided by the agency or unit that reassigns or seconds them (with the opinion of the agency or unit receiving the reassigned or seconded individual).

Clause 6. The title "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Soldier" shall not be awarded in any of the following cases: newly recruited for less than ten months, absent from work for forty days or more, disciplined with a warning or higher penalty.

Article 6. The Flag of Government Competition

The Flag of Government Competition shall be awarded to the following collectives:

Point 1. The most outstanding collectives among those meeting the Flag of Competition standards at the central ministry, sector, provincial, and central mass organization levels.

Point 2. Central ministries, sectors, mass organizations, provinces, and centrally-administered cities leading competition clusters or groups organized by the National Competition and Award Council.

Point 3. The most outstanding collectives in thematic competition movements initiated by the President or Prime Minister, evaluated during mid-term or final reviews lasting five years or more.

Article 7. "Golden Star Order" for Collectives

The "Golden Star Order" shall be awarded to central ministries, departments, mass organizations, provinces, centrally-administered cities, military regions, corps, services, arms, general departments, and equivalent entities, state economic groups, and state-owned holding companies established by the Prime Minister's decision, or collectives with special functions and responsibilities, meeting the following criteria:

Point 1. Having been awarded the "Ho Chi Minh Order" and subsequently maintaining outstanding achievements for twenty-five consecutive years, having wide-ranging influence and exemplary factors and models for the whole country to emulate.

Point 2. Possessing a long-standing tradition, making significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation; internal unity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations.

Article 8. The "Ho Chi Minh Medal" shall be awarded to collectives.

The "Ho Chi Minh Medal" shall be awarded to ministries, agencies, central mass organizations, provinces, centrally governed cities, military regions, corps, services, arms, general departments, and equivalent entities, state economic groups, state holding companies established by the Prime Minister's Decision, or collectives with special functions and tasks that meet the following criteria:

1. Having been awarded the "Independence Medal" first class or the "Military Merit Medal" first class, and continuously excelling in their duties for ten consecutive years thereafter, having a wide influence and being exemplary models for the whole country with new factors and models.

Point 2. Possessing a long-standing tradition, making significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation; internal unity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations.

Article 9. First-class Independence Medal

1. The first-class Independence Medal shall be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who have made outstanding achievements in the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Engaging in revolutionary activities continuously before 1945 and holding one of the following positions: Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of a Provincial or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Deputy Minister, or equivalent position; Lieutenant General of the People's Armed Forces;

b) Engaging in continuous activities during the two anti-French and anti-American resistance wars and holding one of the following positions: Head of the Party Central Committee, Minister, or equivalent position; Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Secretary of a Provincial or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Head of a central political-social organization (two terms, from eight to ten years); Senior General of the People's Armed Forces;

c) Engaging in continuous activities during the anti-American resistance war or in national construction and defense, holding one of the following positions:

Member of the Politburo, Central Committee Secretary, Vice President, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Vice Premier of the Government, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (one term, from three to five years); Senior General of the People's Armed Forces for ten years or more.

Head of the Party Central Committee, Minister, or equivalent position, Secretary of a Provincial or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Head of a central political-social organization (three terms, from thirteen to fifteen years); Senior General of the People's Armed Forces for ten years or more.

2. The first-class Independence Medal shall be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals not falling within the scope defined in Clause 1 of this Article who have achieved outstanding and exemplary results with nationwide influence in one of the following fields: politics, economy, society, literature, art, science, technology, national defense, security, diplomacy, or other fields recognized by the State.

3. The first-class Independence Medal shall be awarded to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Having been awarded the second-class Independence Medal, and continuously excelling in their duties for ten consecutive years thereafter, receiving four "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and one "Prime Minister's Commendation" award during that period, or receiving four "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and two "Ministry, Sector, Provincial, or Central Mass Organization Flag of Excellence" awards;

b) Internal solidarity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations.

4. Foreign individuals, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign collectives with outstanding achievements for the Vietnamese State, recognized and proposed by ministries, agencies, central mass organizations, provinces, and centrally governed cities.

Article 10. The "Independence Medal" Second Class

1. The "Independence Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to individuals who have made outstanding achievements in the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Recognized as a pre-revolutionary cadre and having held one of the following positions: Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister, or equivalent position, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Chairman of the People's Council, People's Committee of provinces or centrally-administered cities, Vice-Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Deputy Head of central political-social organizations (one term, from three to five years);

b) Participated continuously in two anti-French and anti-American resistance wars and having held one of the following positions:

Head of the Party Central Committee, Minister, or equivalent position, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Head of central political-social organizations (one term, from three to five years).

Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister, or equivalent position, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Chairman of the People's Council, People's Committee of provinces or centrally-administered cities, Vice-Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Deputy Head of central political-social organizations (two terms, from eight to ten years);

c) Engaging in continuous activities during the anti-American resistance war or in national construction and defense, holding one of the following positions:

Head of the Party Central Committee, Minister, or equivalent position, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Head of central political-social organizations (two terms, from eight to ten years); Senior General of the people's armed forces for at least five years.

Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister, or equivalent position, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee or Municipal Party Committee under the Central Committee, Chairman of the People's Council, People's Committee of provinces or centrally-administered cities, Vice-Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Deputy Head of central political-social organizations (three terms, from thirteen to fifteen years).

2. The "Independence Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to individuals not falling within the scope defined in Clause 1 of this Article who have achieved outstanding results with national influence and exemplary conduct in one of the fields of politics, economy, society, literature, art, science, technology, national defense, security, diplomacy, or other fields, recognized and proposed by competent authorities.

3. The "Independence Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to groups meeting the following criteria:

a) Having been awarded the "Independence Medal" Third Class, and over the next ten consecutive years, they have excelled in their tasks, during which time they received the "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" three times and the "Prime Minister's Commendation" once, or received the "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" three times and the "Flag of Excellence" from ministries, sectors, provinces, or central mass organizations twice.

b) Internal solidarity, clean and strong Party and mass organizations.

4. Foreign nationals, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign groups with outstanding achievements for the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, recognized and proposed by ministries, sectors, central mass organizations, provinces, or centrally-administered cities.

Article 11. Third-class "Independence Medal"

Clause 1. The third-class "Independence Medal" shall be awarded to individuals who have achieved outstanding achievements in the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, meeting one of the following criteria:

Point a) Participating in the revolution before 1935;

Point b) Participating in the revolution before 1945, continuously working and holding one of the following positions: Director of Bureau, Department Head, Provincial Committee Member, Municipal Committee Member, Chief of Office, provincial-level department or equivalent position;

Point c) Being recognized as a pre-revolutionary cadre and holding one of the following positions: Director of Bureau, Department Head, Provincial Committee Member, Municipal Committee Member, Chief of Office, provincial-level department or equivalent position, or a person who continuously participated in activities in the South during the anti-US period, holding the position of County Committee Member or equivalent position before April 30, 1975;

Point d) Continuously participating in two resistance wars against France and the US, and holding one of the following positions: Deputy Head of Party Office at the Central level, Deputy Minister or equivalent position, Deputy Secretary of Provincial Committee, Municipal Committee, Chairman of the People's Council, People's Committee of provinces and centrally-administered cities, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Deputy Head of Central-level political-social organizations (one term, from three to five years);

Point đ) Continuously participating in the resistance war against the US or in the construction and defense of the country, holding one of the following positions:

Head of Party Office at the Central level, Minister or equivalent position, Secretary of Provincial Committee, Municipal Committee under the Central level, Standing Member of the National Assembly, Head of Central-level political-social organizations (one term, from three to five years); Senior General of the People's Armed Forces.

Deputy Head of Party Office at the Central level, Deputy Minister or equivalent position, Deputy Secretary of Provincial Committee, Municipal Committee under the Central level, Chairman of the People's Council, People's Committee of provinces and centrally-administered cities, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Deputy Head of Central-level political-social organizations (two terms, from eight to ten years).

Clause 2. The third-class "Independence Medal" shall be awarded to individuals not falling within the scope defined in Clause 1 of this Article for achieving outstanding achievements with national influence and exemplary performance in one of the following fields: politics, economy, society, literature, art, science, technology, national defense, security, diplomacy, or other fields recognized and proposed by competent authorities.

Clause 3. The third-class "Independence Medal" shall be awarded to collectives meeting the following criteria:

Point a) Having been awarded the "Labor Medal" first class, continuously excelling in tasks for ten consecutive years thereafter, during which time they received the "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" twice and the "Prime Minister's Commendation" once, or received the "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" twice and the "Ministry, Sector, Provincial, or Central-Level Organization Flag of Excellence" twice;

Point b) Internal unity, clean and strong Party organization and mass organizations;

Point c) A history of development and construction of thirty years or more.

Clause 4. Foreign nationals, overseas Vietnamese, foreign collectives with outstanding achievements for the State of Vietnam, recognized and proposed by ministries, sectors, central-level organizations, provinces, and centrally-administered cities.

Article 12. First-class "Military Merit Medal"

1. The first-class "Military Merit Medal" shall be awarded to or posthumously awarded to cadres, officers, and soldiers who have continuously served in the People's Army and the People's Public Security Forces, adhering well to the Party's policies and State laws, and meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having served for 35 years or more, excellently fulfilling their duties, and having held one of the following positions for at least five years: Minister, Deputy Minister, Chief of General Staff, Director of the Political Department, or equivalent position; Senior General, Lieutenant General in the people's armed forces for at least five years;

b) Achieving outstanding feats of arms, bravery in combat, support for combat operations, training, force building, reinforcing the whole-people national defense and public security, or sacrificing heroically recognized and commended nationwide by the State.

2. The first-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) Having been awarded the second-class "Military Merit Medal," and subsequently completing ten consecutive years of excellent performance, during which time they received four "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and one "Prime Minister's Commendation" award, or received four "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and two "Ministry, Sector, Provincial, Central Mass Organization Flag of Excellence" awards;

b) Clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations.

Article 13. Second-class "Military Merit Medal"

1. The second-class "Military Merit Medal" shall be awarded to or posthumously awarded to cadres, officers, and soldiers who have continuously served in the People's Army and the People's Public Security Forces, adhering well to the Party's policies and State laws, and meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having served for 35 years or more, excellently fulfilling their duties, and having held one of the following positions for at least five years: Military Region Commander, General Director under the Ministry of Public Security, or equivalent position;

b) Achieving outstanding feats of arms, bravery in combat, support for combat operations, training, force building, reinforcing the whole-people national defense and public security, or sacrificing heroically recognized and commended throughout the entire military and the entire People's Public Security Force by the State.

2. The second-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) Having been awarded the third-class "Military Merit Medal," and subsequently completing ten consecutive years of excellent performance, during which time they received three "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and one "Prime Minister's Commendation" award, or received three "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and two "Ministry, Sector, Provincial, Central Mass Organization Flag of Excellence" awards;

b) Clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations.

Article 14. Third-class "Military Merit Medal"

1. The third-class "Military Merit Medal" shall be awarded to or posthumously awarded to cadres, officers, and soldiers who have continuously served in the People's Army and the People's Public Security Forces, adhering well to the Party's policies and State laws, and meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having served for 35 years or more, excellently fulfilling their duties, and having held one of the following positions for at least five years: Corps Commander, Deputy General Director under the Ministry of Public Security, or equivalent position;

b) Achieving outstanding feats of arms, bravery in combat, support for combat operations, training, force building, reinforcing the whole-people national defense and public security, or sacrificing heroically recognized and commended throughout the entire military region, military branch, corps, service, general department, and equivalent.

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) Having been awarded the first-class "National Defense Medal," and subsequently completing ten consecutive years of excellent performance, during which time they received two "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and one "Prime Minister's Commendation" award, or received two "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" awards and two "Ministry, Sector, Provincial, Central Mass Organization Flag of Excellence" awards;

b) Clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations;

c) Having a process of construction and development lasting 30 years or more.

Article 15. "Labor Medal" First Class

1. The "Labor Medal" First Class shall be awarded to individuals who have outstanding achievements, many innovations in labor, national construction, exemplary compliance with the Party's guidelines and policies, and State laws, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having particularly outstanding achievements or inventions, patents, initiatives applied with high effectiveness, influencing nationwide and serving as role models, or having excellent scientific works or outstanding representative state-level works;

b) Having been awarded the "Labor Medal" Second Class, and subsequently maintaining outstanding achievements influencing nationwide for five consecutive years, during which four initiatives were recognized and effectively implemented at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level.

2. The "Labor Medal" First Class shall be awarded to workers, farmers, and exemplary laborers who comply well with the Party's guidelines and policies, and State laws, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Meeting the criteria specified in Point a or b of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Having inventions, patents, or initiatives applied in practice with effectiveness recognized at the ministry, sector, or central mass organization level.

Workers who have seven inventions, patents, or initiatives bringing benefits and contributing to training, nurturing, and assisting colleagues to improve their professional skills and expertise.

Farmers who have inventions, patents, or initiatives, or effective and stable production models for seven years or more, helping many households escape poverty and create jobs for workers.

3. The "Labor Medal" First Class shall be awarded to individuals who have long-term, continuous contributions in agencies, organizations, mass organizations, with outstanding achievements in national construction, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Recognized as pre-revolutionary cadres and holding one of the following positions: Deputy Director-General, Deputy Department Head, Deputy Bureau Chief, provincial-level department head or equivalent position;

b) Participating in two anti-French and anti-American resistance wars and holding one of the following positions:

Deputy Central Committee Department Head, Deputy Minister, or equivalent position, Deputy Provincial Party Committee Secretary, Deputy Municipal Party Committee Secretary under the Central Committee, Chairman of the People's Council, Provincial People's Committee, or Municipal People's Committee under the Central Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Deputy Head of Central Political-Social Mass Organizations.

Department Head, Provincial Party Committee Standing Member, Municipal Party Committee Standing Member, Deputy Chairman of the People's Council, Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Provincial Committee, or Municipal Committee under the Central Committee for ten years or more;

c) Participating in the anti-American resistance war or in national construction and defense, holding one of the following positions:

Central Committee Department Head, Minister, or equivalent position, Provincial Party Committee Secretary, Municipal Party Committee Secretary under the Central Committee, National Assembly Standing Member, Head of Central Political-Social Mass Organizations.

Deputy Central Committee Department Head, Deputy Minister, or equivalent position, Deputy Provincial Party Committee Secretary, Deputy Municipal Party Committee Secretary under the Central Committee, Chairman of the People's Council, Provincial People's Committee, or Municipal People's Committee under the Central Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Deputy Head of Central Political-Social Mass Organizations for five years or more.

Department Head, Provincial Party Committee Standing Member, Municipal Party Committee Standing Member, Deputy Specialized Representative of the National Assembly Delegation, Deputy Chairman of the People's Council, Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Provincial Committee, or Municipal Committee under the Central Committee, or equivalent position for fifteen years or more.

4. The "Labor Medal" First Class shall be awarded to exemplary collectives that comply well with the Party's guidelines and policies, State laws, and maintain internal unity, meeting one of the following criteria:

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

b) Having been awarded the "Labor Medal" Second Class, and subsequently maintaining outstanding performance for five consecutive years, during which they received the Prime Minister's Flag once and the Flag from the Ministry, Sector, Province, or Central Mass Organization twice, or received the Flag from the Ministry, Sector, Province, or Central Mass Organization four times.

5. Foreign nationals, overseas Vietnamese, or foreign collectives with numerous outstanding achievements contributing to the country's socio-economic development, recognized and proposed by ministries, sectors, central mass organizations, provinces, or municipalities directly under the Central Government.

Article 16. The "Labor Medal" Second Class

1. The "Labor Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to individuals who have outstanding achievements and creativity in labor, national construction, exemplary compliance with the Party's guidelines and policies, and State laws, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having particularly outstanding and remarkable achievements or inventions, patents, initiatives applied with high effectiveness at the ministry, sector, locality level, or having excellent scientific works, models that are representative at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organizations level;

b) Having been awarded the "Labor Medal" Third Class, and subsequently maintaining outstanding achievements for five consecutive years with significant influence and exemplary role at the ministry, sector, central mass organizations, provincial, or centrally-administered city level, during which three initiatives were recognized and effectively implemented at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organizations level.

2. The "Labor Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to workers, farmers, and laborers who have exemplary compliance with the Party's guidelines and policies, and State laws, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Meeting the criteria specified in Point a or b of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Having inventions, patents, or initiatives applied in practice with notable effects and recognized at the provincial level.

Workers who have five initiatives bringing benefits and contributing to training, enhancing, and assisting colleagues to improve their professional skills and expertise.

Farmers who have inventions, patents, or initiatives, or effective and stable production models for five years or more, and have helped many households escape poverty and create employment for workers.

3. The "Labor Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to individuals who have long-term and continuous dedication in agencies, organizations, mass organizations, with outstanding achievements in national construction, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Participating in two anti-French and anti-American resistance wars and holding one of the following positions:

Department Director, Provincial Party Committee Standing Member, Central City Party Committee Standing Member, Deputy Head of a Full-time Delegation of National Assembly Members, Deputy Chairman of People's Council, People's Committee, Chairman of the Provincial or Central City Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee from six to less than ten years.

Department Director, Sector Chief, Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Secretary, Chairman of People's Council, People's Committee of district, county, town, Deputy Department Director or equivalent position for ten years or more;

b) Participating in the anti-American resistance war or in national construction and defense, holding one of the following positions:

Department Director, Provincial Party Committee Standing Member, Central City Party Committee Standing Member, Deputy Head of a Full-time Delegation of National Assembly Members, Deputy Chairman of People's Council, People's Committee, Chairman of the Provincial or Central City Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee or equivalent position for ten to less than fifteen years.

Department Director, Sector Chief, Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Head of provincial political-social mass organization, Secretary, Chairman of People's Council, People's Committee of district, county, town, Deputy Department Director or equivalent position for fifteen years or more.

4. The "Labor Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to exemplary collectives who have good compliance with the Party's guidelines and policies, and State laws, with internal unity, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results with significant influence and exemplary role at the ministry, sector, central mass organizations, provincial, or centrally-administered city level;

b) Having been awarded the "Labor Medal" Third Class, and subsequently maintaining outstanding performance for five consecutive years, during which time they received once the "Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence" and once the Flag of Excellence at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organizations level, or three times the Flag of Excellence at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organizations level.

5. Foreign nationals, overseas Vietnamese, or foreign collectives with numerous outstanding achievements contributing to the country's socio-economic development, recognized and proposed by ministries, sectors, central mass organizations, provinces, or municipalities directly under the Central Government.

Article 17. Third-class Labour Medal

1. The Third-class Labour Medal shall be awarded to individuals who have outstanding achievements and creativity in labour, national construction, exemplary compliance with the Party's guidelines and policies and State laws, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Outstanding and remarkable achievements or scientific works, artistic works, innovative ideas recognized as excellent by the Ministry-level or provincial Scientific Councils or Innovative Idea Councils, applied in practice and yielding high and practical benefits;

b) Having been awarded the Prime Minister's Commendation Certificate, and over the next five consecutive years, achieving outstanding results, during which period two innovative ideas were recognized and effectively implemented at the ministry, sector, provincial level, or central mass organizations;

2. The Third-class Labour Medal shall be awarded to workers, farmers, and exemplary model workers who comply well with the Party's guidelines and policies and State laws, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Meeting the criteria specified in Point a or b of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Innovative ideas that have been applied in practice and yielded benefits, recognized by the district level;

Workers with three innovative ideas that bring benefits and contribute to training, improving, and assisting colleagues to enhance their professional skills and expertise;

Farmers with innovative ideas or effective and stable production models for three years or more, helping many other farming households overcome poverty and unemployment, and creating job opportunities for workers;

3. The Third-class Labour Medal shall be awarded to individuals who have made long-term and continuous contributions in agencies, organizations, mass organizations, with outstanding achievements in national construction, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Participating in two anti-French and anti-American resistance wars, holding one of the following positions:

Department Director, Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee under the Central Government, Deputy Chairperson of the People's Council, People's Committee, Chairman of the Provincial or Municipal People's Front Committee under the Central Government for five years;

Department Director, Head of a Sector or Agency, Deputy Chairperson of the People's Front Committee and Head of a Political-Social Mass Organization at the provincial level, Secretary or Chairperson of the People's Council, People's Committee at the district, county, town level, Deputy Department Director or equivalent position for six to less than ten years;

b) Participating in the anti-American resistance war or in national construction and defense, holding one of the following positions:

Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee under the Central Government, Deputy Representative of the National Assembly Delegation, Deputy Chairperson of the People's Council, People's Committee, Chairman of the Provincial or Municipal People's Front Committee under the Central Government or equivalent position for six to less than ten years;

Department Director, Head of a Sector or Agency, Deputy Chairperson of the People's Front Committee and Head of a Political-Social Mass Organization at the provincial level, Secretary or Chairperson of the People's Council, People's Committee at the district, county, town level, Deputy Department Director or equivalent position for ten to less than fifteen years;

4. The Third-class Labour Medal shall be awarded to exemplary collectives that comply well with the Party's guidelines and policies and State laws, with internal unity, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results with wide-ranging influence and serving as role models in fields under ministries, sectors, provinces, or centrally-administered municipalities;

b) Having a development process of ten years or more, during which time they received the Prime Minister's Commendation Certificate, and over the next five consecutive years, excellently completing tasks, during which period they received two flags of excellence from the Ministry, sector, province, or central mass organization, or one flag of excellence from the Ministry, sector, province, or central mass organization and two commendation certificates from the Ministry, sector, province, or central mass organization;

5. Foreign nationals, overseas Vietnamese, foreign collectives with numerous outstanding achievements contributing to the country's socio-economic development, recognized and recommended by ministries, sectors, central mass organizations, provinces, or centrally-administered municipalities.

Article 18. "National Defense Merit Medal" First Class

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

a) Achieving outstanding and exceptional achievements or making inventions, patents, scientific works, or outstanding state-level literary works on national defense and security recognized by competent authorities;

b) Having been awarded the "National Defense Merit Medal" Second Class, and over the next five consecutive years, 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, during which period four initiatives were recognized and effectively applied at the central ministry, sector, provincial level, or central mass organizations;

c) Serving for thirty-five years or more, excelling in their duties, and holding one of the following positions: Deputy Commander of Military Corps, Division Commander, Provincial Public Security Director under the Central Government, or equivalent position for ten years or more.

2. The "National Defense Merit Medal" First Class shall be awarded to units within the People's Armed Forces that serve as models in implementing Party policies and State laws, maintaining clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations, and 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 Merit Medal" Second Class, and over the next five consecutive years, excelling in their duties, during which period they received the Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence once and the Flag of Excellence from central ministries, sectors, provinces, or central mass organizations twice, or received the Flag of Excellence from central ministries, sectors, provinces, or central mass organizations four times.

Article 19. "National Defense Merit Medal" Second Class

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

a) Achieving outstanding and exceptional achievements or making inventions, patents, scientific works, or excellent state-level literary works on national defense and security recognized by competent authorities;

b) Having been awarded the "National Defense Merit Medal" Third Class, and over the next five consecutive years, achieving outstanding performance in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security, with achievements having exemplary value throughout the entire military and the entire People's Public Security Force, during which period three initiatives were recognized and effectively applied at the central ministry, sector, provincial level, or central mass organizations;

c) Serving for thirty-five years or more, excelling in their duties, and holding one of the following positions: Deputy Division Commander, Brigade Commander, Deputy Provincial Public Security Director under the Central Government, or equivalent position for ten years or more.

2. The "National Defense Merit Medal" Second Class shall be awarded to units within the People's Armed Forces that serve as models in implementing Party policies and State laws, maintaining clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations, and 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 exemplary value throughout the entire military and the entire People's Public Security Force;

b) Having been awarded the "National Defense Merit Medal" Third Class, and over the next five consecutive years, excelling in their duties, during which period they received the Prime Minister's Flag of Excellence once and the Flag of Excellence from central ministries, sectors, provinces, or central mass organizations once, or received the Flag of Excellence from central ministries, sectors, provinces, or central mass organizations three times.

Article 20. Third-class "National Defense Merit Medal"

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:

Point a) Achieving outstanding and exceptional results or making inventions, innovations, scientific works, or excellent works at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level concerning national defense and security, recognized by competent authorities;

Point b) Having been awarded the "Prime Minister's Commendation", and subsequently maintaining outstanding achievements for five consecutive years in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security, with such achievements influencing the entire military region, military corps, military group, service, general department, and equivalent units, during which period two initiatives were recognized and effectively applied at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level;

Point c) Serving for thirty years or more, excelling in duties, and holding one of the following positions: Regiment Commander, Deputy Regiment Commander, or equivalent position for ten years or more.

Clause 2. The third-class "National Defense Merit Medal" shall be awarded to collectives within the People's Armed Forces who set exemplary examples in implementing Party policies and State laws, maintaining clean and strong Party organizations and mass organizations, and meeting one of the following criteria:

Point a) Achieving outstanding results in training, combat readiness, force building, and consolidating the whole people's national defense and security, with such achievements influencing the entire military region, military corps, military group, service, general department, and equivalent units;

Point b) Having a development process of ten years or more, during which time they received the "Prime Minister's Commendation" and maintained outstanding performance for five consecutive years thereafter, during which time they were awarded the Flag of Excellence twice at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level, or once the Flag of Excellence and twice the Commendation at the ministry, sector, provincial, or central mass organization level.

Article 21. "Brave Soldier Medal" for individuals serving in maritime, island, or economically and socially extremely difficult areas

Criteria for awarding and posthumously awarding the "Brave Soldier Medal" to officers, non-commissioned officers, professional soldiers, conscripts, civil servants, and employees in agencies and units under the People's Army; officers, non-commissioned officers, conscripts, civil servants, and employees in agencies and units under the Public Security Force, performing duties in maritime, island, or economically and socially extremely difficult areas, receiving special allowances of 100% or more, are stipulated as follows:

Clause 1. For officers, professional soldiers, civil servants, and employees in the People's Army and officers, non-commissioned officers, civil servants, and employees in the Public Security Force, their working time is multiplied by a factor of two when calculating the time for awarding the "Brave Soldier Medal" in various categories.

Clause 2. Non-commissioned officers and conscripts in the People's Army who have served for one year or more and completed their tasks satisfactorily shall be eligible for the third-class "Brave Soldier Medal".

Clause 3. For officers, professional soldiers, civil servants, and employees in the People's Army, non-commissioned officers, and conscripts who have died and been recognized as martyrs, if their service time has not reached one year, they will be eligible for posthumous awarding of the third-class "Brave Soldier Medal"; if their service time reaches one year or more, they will be eligible for posthumous awarding of the second-class "Brave Soldier Medal".

Article 22. "Medal of Friendship"

The "Medal of Friendship" shall be awarded to foreign individuals who have made significant contributions to the construction and defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, meeting the following criteria:

1. Demonstrate a spirit of solidarity, friendship, respect for independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, laws, and customs and traditions of Vietnam.

2. Have made positive contributions to building, consolidating, and developing friendly relations and good cooperation in political, economic, military, diplomatic, scientific, technological, environmental protection, cultural, social, or other fields between Vietnam and countries, regions, inter-regional organizations, foreign organizations, and international organizations.

Article 23. "Prime Minister's Commendation"

1. The "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be awarded to individuals who serve as models in implementing Party policies and State laws, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieve outstanding and exemplary results recognized during mass movement competitions initiated by the Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Rewarding or central ministries, sectors, provinces, and central-level organizations when conducting mid-term or final reviews over three years or more;

b) Achieve many accomplishments or outstanding achievements with influence within ministries, sectors, provinces, or central-level organizations;

c) Having been awarded a Commendation from a ministry, sector, province, or central-level organization, continuously excel in their duties for five consecutive years thereafter, during which time at least five recognized and effective initiatives were implemented at the grassroots level or demonstrated bravery, creativity, and dedication in combat or support services, receiving commendations five times or more.

2. The "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be awarded to model workers, farmers, and laborers who implement Party policies and State laws well, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieve many accomplishments or outstanding achievements in labor and production with influence within a district;

b) Workers with two or more initiatives that bring benefits and contribute to training, nurturing, and assisting colleagues to improve their professional skills and expertise;

c) Farmers with a productive and stable model of operation for two years or more, helping households escape poverty and create employment for workers.

3. The "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be awarded to model collectives that implement Party policies and State laws well, maintain internal unity, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieve outstanding and exemplary results recognized during mass movement competitions initiated by the Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Rewarding or central ministries, sectors, provinces, and central-level organizations when conducting mid-term or final reviews over three years or more;

b) Achieve outstanding and sudden accomplishments or achievements with influence within ministries, sectors, central-level organizations, provinces, or centrally-administered cities;

c) Having been awarded a Commendation from a ministry, sector, province, or central-level organization, continuously excel in their duties for five consecutive years thereafter, during which time they received a Flag of Excellence from a ministry, sector, province, or central-level organization once.

4. The "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be awarded to model families who implement Party policies and State laws well, make significant contributions of labor, land, and property to localities and society, valued at 500 million VND or more.

Article 24. Commendation from Ministries, Sectors, Provinces, and Central-Level Organizations

1. The Commendation from Ministries, Sectors, Provinces, and Central-Level Organizations shall be awarded to model individuals who implement Party policies and State laws well, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Achieve outstanding results recognized during annual mass movement competitions initiated by ministries, sectors, provinces, and central-level organizations;

b) Achieve many accomplishments with influence within each field under ministries, sectors, provinces, or central-level organizations;

c) Excel in their duties for two consecutive years, during which time at least two recognized and effective initiatives were implemented at the grassroots level.

2. The Commendation from Ministries, Sectors, Provinces, and Central-Level Organizations shall be awarded to model collectives that implement Party policies and State laws well, maintain internal unity, and meet the criteria specified in Clause 39, Article 1 of the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Law on Mobilization and Rewarding in 2013.

3. The Commendation from Ministries, Sectors, Provinces, and Central-Level Organizations shall be awarded to model families who implement Party policies and State laws well, making significant contributions of labor, land, and property to localities and society.

Article 25. Certificate of Commendation for Families

1. The head of the specialized agency under the provincial People's Committee; the Chairman of the district People's Committee shall issue certificates of commendation to families who serve as exemplary models in implementing the Party’s guidelines and policies and State laws, contributing labor, land, and property to their locality and society.

2. The Chairman of the commune People's Committee shall issue certificates of commendation to families who serve as exemplary models in implementing the Party’s guidelines and policies and State laws, contributing labor, land, and property to their locality and society.

Article 26. Authority to Bestow Titles "Outstanding Unit", "Exemplary Labor Collective", "Advanced Labor Collective", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", and "Advanced Laborer"

1. The head of the military region, military branch, corps, service, general department, and equivalent units under the Ministry of National Defense shall decide to bestow the titles "Outstanding Unit" and "Exemplary Labor Collective".

2. The authority to bestow the titles "Advanced Laborer", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", and "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be implemented as follows:

a) For cadres, civil servants, workers, farmers, and workers under the management of the commune level, the Chairman of the commune People's Committee shall bestow the title "Advanced Laborer" and propose the Chairman of the district People's Committee to bestow the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level";

b) The head of the unit or organization under the central ministries, departments, and mass organizations with legal personality shall bestow the titles "Advanced Laborer", "Advanced Labor Collective", and "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" on individuals and collectives within their jurisdiction. For units and organizations without legal personality, the immediate superior head shall bestow these titles.

Article 27. Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Reward

1. The Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Reward is the advisory body to the Party and the State regarding mobilization and reward work.

2. The composition of the Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Reward includes:

a) The Chairperson of the Committee is the Prime Minister;

b) The Vice-Chairpersons of the Committee: the First Vice-Chairperson is the Deputy President of the State; the Standing Vice-Chairperson is the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and the Director of the Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Reward; the other Vice-Chairpersons are the Chairperson of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and the Chairperson of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor;

c) The Committee has from 13 to 15 members representing the leadership of central ministries, departments, and mass organizations.

3. The Chairperson of the Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Reward decides on the composition of the members and the duties and powers of the Committee.

4. The Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Reward Office is the standing body assisting the Central Steering Committee for Mobilization and Reward.

Article 28. Mobilization and Reward Steering Committee at the Ministry Level

1. The Mobilization and Reward Steering Committee at the ministry, department, and mass organization level (hereinafter referred to as the Mobilization and Reward Steering Committee at the ministry level) is the advisory body to the Minister, Head of the equivalent ministry, department, and mass organization regarding mobilization and reward work.

2. The composition of the Mobilization and Reward Steering Committee at the ministry level includes:

a) The Chairperson of the Committee is the Minister, Head of the equivalent ministry, department, and mass organization;

b) The Committee has from 13 to 15 members, including from 3 to 4 Vice-Chairpersons. The Director of the Mobilization and Reward Department is the Standing Vice-Chairperson. For ministries, departments, and mass organizations that have not established a Mobilization and Reward Department, the Director of the Mobilization and Reward Section is the Standing Member of the Committee. Other Vice-Chairpersons and Members are decided by the Chairperson of the Committee;

c) The composition of the Mobilization and Reward Steering Committee of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security is decided by the Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Public Security respectively.

3. The Mobilization and Reward Steering Committee at the ministry level has the following tasks and powers:

a) To advise the Minister, Heads of ministries, departments, and mass organizations to launch mobilization campaigns within their authority;

b) To regularly evaluate the results of mobilization campaigns and reward work; to advise on the mid-term and final reviews of mobilization and reward work; to propose initiatives and measures to promote patriotic mobilization campaigns each year and during each phase;

c) To advise the Minister, Heads of ministries, departments, and mass organizations to inspect and supervise mobilization campaigns and the implementation of policies and laws on mobilization and reward;

d) To advise the Minister, Heads of ministries, departments, and mass organizations to decide on bestowing commendations and rewards within their authority or to submit recommendations to competent authorities for rewards.

4. The Mobilization and Reward Departments (Sections, Bureaus) of ministries, departments, and mass organizations are the standing bodies of the Mobilization and Reward Steering Committee at the ministry level.

Article 29. Provincial Commendation and Reward Council

1. The Provincial Commendation and Reward Council (hereinafter referred to as the Provincial Commendation and Reward Council) is the advisory body for the Party Committee and the provincial government regarding commendation and reward activities in the locality.

2. The composition of the Provincial Commendation and Reward Council includes:

a) The Chairman of the Council is the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

b) The Council has from thirteen to fifteen members, including three to four Vice Chairmen. The Deputy Director of the Department of Home Affairs and the Head of the Provincial Commendation and Reward Board are the permanent Vice Chairmen. Other Vice Chairmen and members are decided by the Chairman of the Council.

3. The Provincial Commendation and Reward Council shall perform the following tasks and powers:

a) Advising the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to launch commendation movements within its authority;

b) To regularly evaluate the results of mobilization campaigns and reward work; to advise on the mid-term and final reviews of mobilization and reward work; to propose initiatives and measures to promote patriotic mobilization campaigns each year and during each phase;

c) Advising the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to inspect and supervise commendation movements and the implementation of policies and laws on commendation and reward;

d) Advising the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to confer commendation titles and reward forms within its authority or to submit to the competent authority for rewards;

4. The Provincial Commendation and Reward Board is the standing body of the Provincial Commendation and Reward Council.

Article 30. Effectiveness and Responsibility for Enforcement

1. This Decree takes effect from August 20, 2014.

Repeal Articles 4, 12, 13, 15; Clause 2 of Article 16; Clauses 3, 4, 5 of Article 20; Clauses 2, 3 of Article 21; Articles 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 41, and 49 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Commendation and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Commendation and Reward.

2. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of agencies under the Government, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Decree./.