Decision No. 69/2004/QĐ-BNV on approving the Statutes of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association

 

Pursuant to …;

Regarding the approval of the Charter of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association

THE MINISTER OF THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

Pursuant to Decree No. 102/SL-L004 dated May 20, 1957 on the right to establish Associations;
Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 45/2003/NĐ-CP dated May 9, 2003 on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairs;
Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 88/2003/NĐ-CP dated July 30, 2003 on the organization, operation, and management of Associations;
Considering the proposal of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association and the Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations,

DECISION:

Article 1. Approves the Charter of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association which was adopted at the First Term General Assembly on November 8, 2003 of the Association.

Article 2. The Standard Measurement Quality Control Department shall be responsible for organizing and guiding the implementation of the Regulations adopted herein.

Article 3. The Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association and the Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

 

CHARTER

VIETNAM URBAN LIGHTING ASSOCIATION
(Annexed to Decision No. 69/2004/QD-BNV dated October 14, 2004 of the Ministry of Home Affairs)

PART I
NAME, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES

Article 1. Name

- Name of the Association: Vietnam Urban Lighting Association;

- International trade name: VIETNAM URBAN LIGHTING ASSOCIATION;

Abbreviation: VULA;

- Headquarters of the Association: 77 To Hien Thanh Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi City;

- Telephone: 04.9745744; Fax: 04.9780314

Article 2. Aims, Position, Scope of Activities

- The Vietnam Urban Lighting Association is a specialized association, a member of the Vietnam Construction Federation, an organization gathering and uniting collective members and individual members who are Vietnamese citizens engaged in research, planning and design, construction and installation, management of urban lighting systems, production and business of lighting equipment, and those interested in contributing or creating favorable conditions for the development of urban lighting in Vietnam.

- The Vietnam Urban Lighting Association operates voluntarily, self-manages, covers its own expenses, and complies with the laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

- The Vietnam Urban Lighting Association is under the management of the Ministry of Construction.

- The Vietnam Urban Lighting Association operates throughout the country.

- The Vietnam Urban Lighting Association has legal personality, has a bank account, has its own seal, has a symbol, and has a press organ (newspaper, publication, magazine...).

Article 3. Purpose of the Association

1. To gather and unite members into a cohesive body to exchange experiences, information, update scientific and technological progress, economic efficiency, and urban lighting management. Encourage members to improve their professional and management levels, support each other's development, and contribute positively to the continuous development of the urban lighting industry in Vietnam.

2. To widely disseminate knowledge about science, technology, and urban lighting management to organizations and the public.

3. To propose to the State the issuance of mechanisms and policies to promote the development of the urban lighting industry in line with the industrialization and modernization of the country, aiming to reach the level of countries in the region and around the world.

Chapter II
TASKS AND POWERS

Article 4. Tasks of the Association

1. To gather, unite, and encourage enthusiastic members to contribute to the development of the Association and the continuous development of the urban lighting industry in Vietnam, ready to cooperate and help each other among members.

2. To disseminate information and publish professional scientific and technological works.

- Organize seminars to exchange knowledge and professional experience between domestic and foreign scientists and businesses.

- Publish Association publications in accordance with the law.

- Organize specialized training courses, surveys, and exchanges of experience with members.

- Create conditions to support members in conducting surveys and learning or exchanging information domestically and internationally.

- Contact with foreign associations and organizations related to lighting to enhance international cooperation in artificial lighting. Encourage the creation of conditions for members to meet, exchange, and cooperate with international lighting organizations in accordance with the law.

3. To carry out scientific research, technology transfer, and consulting services in the field of urban lighting including:

- Proposing or directly implementing research programs, topics, and economic and scientific projects.

- Surveying and collecting data to serve consulting work for urban lighting projects.

- Consulting on the acceptance, purchase, and transfer of technology.

- Participating in summarizing scientific and technological progress, researching and proposing adjustments and supplements to relevant standards, procedures, and regulations in the field of urban lighting.

4. To proactively propose to the State regarding mechanisms and policies, directions for economic, technical, construction, and management of urban lighting systems.

5. To participate in reviewing urban lighting projects from local to national levels. Review projects involving joint ventures with foreign countries in the field of urban lighting.

6. To inspect the quality of urban lighting projects when requested by competent state authorities.

7. The Vietnam Urban Lighting Association is responsible for complying with the provisions of the Charter of the Vietnam Construction Federation.

Article 5. Rights of the Association

1. To represent member organizations and members in activities related to the aims, purposes, and tasks of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association.

2. To develop, approve, and implement the Association's activity plans.

3. To perform the tasks set forth in Article 4.

4. To participate in international (or regional) organizations in the field of urban lighting in accordance with the law.

5. To enjoy the protection of the State when performing its functions and tasks properly.

6. To establish certain advisory, training, technical-service, and scientific research organizations in accordance with the law.

Chapter III
MEMBERS

Article 6. Members of the Association

Any organization or Vietnamese citizen operating in fields directly or indirectly related to urban lighting as mentioned in Article 2 may join the Association if they:

+ Agree with the aims, purposes, and charter of the Association and pay membership fees as stipulated by the Association;

+ Voluntarily submit an application to join the Association;

+ Voluntarily participate in the Association's activities.

Members of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association have the right to join other associations in accordance with the law.

Article 7. The Vietnam Urban Lighting Association includes:

1. Regular Members:

- Collective Members: Are organizations in Vietnam engaged in scientific and technical activities, urban lighting management, and urban infrastructure management related to urban lighting. Enterprises producing and trading in urban lighting products.

- Individual members: Are Vietnamese citizens who have the conditions to participate in all activities of the Association; those who are interested in contributing or creating favorable conditions for the development of urban lighting in Vietnam.

2. Associated members: Are organizations and individuals in the field of urban lighting who do not have the conditions to participate in all activities of the Association but voluntarily participate in some activities of the Association (associated members are not eligible for nomination or election to the Association's leadership board and do not participate in voting on issues of the Association).

Article 8. Obligations and rights of members

1. Obligations:

- Members have the obligation to respect the charter of the Association, actively participate in implementing the tasks of the Association as stated in Article 4.

- Promote and develop new members and pay full membership fees.

- Protect the honor and legitimate interests of the Association, mobilize everyone to support the activities of the Association.

2. Rights of members:

- Have the right to participate in all activities, discussions, and voting on matters of the Association, to be elected and nominated to the Executive Board of the Association according to the provisions of the Charter.

- Request assistance to improve professional knowledge and skills in urban lighting. The Association creates conditions to introduce research results and applications, inventions into production and daily life. Priority publication of research results and new product applications in Association journals and publications.

- Receive information about scientific and technological progress, engineering, management, and economic advancements in the field of urban lighting. Be provided with opportunities to meet, exchange experiences with people working in the field of urban lighting both domestically and internationally to enhance their expertise and advance their careers.

- Be issued a "Vietnam Urban Lighting Association" card and use it when participating in various activities of the Association.

- Have the right to resign from the Association at any time upon request. When resigning, a resignation letter must be submitted and the membership card returned.

Chapter IV
ORGANIZATION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 9. The organizational structure of the Association includes:

- The central body of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association.

- Cities and towns are branch associations.

Article 10. National Congress of the Association

The highest governing body of the Association is the National Congress, held regularly every five years convened by the Central Executive Board of the Association. An extraordinary congress may be convened if at least two-thirds of the Central Executive Board members or at least half of the total number of regular members propose it.

Responsibilities of the Congress:

a) Discuss and approve the report summarizing the activities of the Association during the previous term.

b) Decide on the direction and program of work of the Association for the upcoming term.

c) Decide on amendments and supplements to the Association's charter (if necessary).

d) Elect the new term Central Executive Board of the Association.

Article 11. Central Executive Board of the Association

1. The Central Executive Board of the Association is the governing body of the Association between two terms of Congress, meeting once a year. The number of Central Executive Board members is determined and directly elected by the National Congress of the Association.

2. The Central Executive Board has the following responsibilities:

a) Lead the implementation of the resolutions of the National Congress;

b) Lead the implementation of the Association's Charter;

c) Decide on the program of activities, budget, and organization of the Association;

d) Elect the Standing Committee, President, Vice Presidents, General Secretary, and Inspection Board of the Association.

Article 12. Central Standing Committee of the Association

1. The Central Standing Committee of the Association is the permanent body of the Central Executive Board, responsible for managing the implementation of the resolutions of the Congress and the Central Executive Board between meetings. The Standing Committee consists of the President, Vice Presidents, General Secretary, and members. The number of Standing Committee members does not exceed one-third of the total number of Central Executive Board members. The Standing Committee meets regularly every six months. Extraordinary sessions are convened by the President or when more than half of the Standing Committee members request.

2. The Standing Committee appoints the Permanent Office and specialized boards. The Permanent Office is led by the President and is responsible for managing the work between Standing Committee meetings, organizing and supervising the implementation of resolutions of the Central Executive Board and the Standing Committee.

Article 13. The Chairman of the Association

The President of the Association is elected from among the Standing Committee members by the Central Executive Board, responsible for chairing meetings of the Central Executive Board, Standing Committee, and Permanent Office, and managing the implementation of resolutions of the Central Executive Board and Standing Committee.

- Decides on the establishment of the Association's office, specialized boards, and subordinate organizations; appoints heads of specialized boards, Chief of Office, Chief Accountant, and heads of subordinate organizations.

- Enacts operational regulations of the Association; decides on the admission and removal of members and is responsible for all activities of the Association under the law.

Article 14. Vice-Chairman of the Association

The Vice President of the Association is elected by the Central Executive Board and assigned by the President to lead specific areas of activity and oversee organizational bases of the Association. A Vice President may be authorized by the President to chair meetings or handle Association affairs in the absence of the President.

Article 15. Secretary General of the Association

The General Secretary of the Association is elected by the Central Executive Board and implements tasks assigned by the President and manages all activities of the Association's office.

Article 16. Inspection Board of the Association

1. The Central Executive Board elects the Inspection Board of the Association consisting of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and several members. The Chairperson of the Inspection Board must be a member of the Central Executive Board.

2. The Inspection Board of the Association is responsible for inspecting the implementation of the Association's charter; inspecting the activities of the Central Executive Board and the financial status of the Association, subordinate organizations, and affiliated associations (if necessary); reviewing and resolving complaints and reports if any.

3. The Chairperson of the Inspection Board may be invited to attend regular meetings of the Standing Committee. The Inspection Board is responsible for reporting inspection results to the Central Executive Board and has the authority to recommend necessary measures, including convening an extraordinary Congress to address important and urgent issues that arise.

Article 17. Specialized Boards and Subordinate Organizations

When necessary, the Standing Committee of the Association may consider and decide to establish specialized boards, economic organizations, centers, and services to generate financial resources and serve the development of the Association. Establish subordinate organizations of the Association in accordance with the law.

Article 18. Branch Associations at the Base Level

1. The Urban Lighting Branch Association shall be established according to occupational units when there are ten or more regular members. The Branch Association is a grassroots organization of the Association, directly subordinate to the Central Association.

2. The highest leadership body of the Branch Association is the General Assembly of Advanced Members, convened regularly every two and a half years (thirty months). An extraordinary General Assembly may be convened if at least two-thirds of the members of the Branch Association Executive Board or at least half of the total number of regular members propose it.

3. The duties of the Branch Association General Assembly include:

a) Discussing and approving the report on the activities of the Branch Association during the previous term.

b) Deciding on the direction and program of work for the Branch Association during the next term.

c) Electing the Branch Association President and representatives to attend higher-level Assemblies.

d) Discussing and providing opinions on the reports on activities, work programs, and regulations of higher-level organizations.

4. The Branch Association has the duty to implement the resolutions of its own General Assembly and directives and resolutions of higher-level Associations; leading the implementation of Branch Association work between two General Assembly terms; electing the Chairman, Secretary, and Standing Committee members. The Branch Association Executive Board convenes regularly every three months. Extraordinary meetings of the Branch Association Executive Board are convened by the Chairman or when more than half of the Branch Association Executive Board members or the higher-level Association Executive Board request.

Article 19. Allowance for responsibility

Standing Committee members and Executive Board members, Inspection Board members at all levels of the Association are entitled to receive an allowance during their Association work period. The amount of the allowance is determined by the same-level Executive Board and taken from the income of the various levels of the Association.

Chapter V
ASSOCIATION FINANCES

Article 20. Revenue of the Association

1. Membership fees collected from members. The membership fee level is decided annually by the Central Association Executive Board for individual members and collective members (with Membership Fee Regulations).

2. Income from service and consulting activities, scientific research, publishing, seminars, and vocational training.

3. Donations and sponsorships from domestic organizations and individuals.

4. Donations and sponsorships from foreign organizations and individuals.

5. Other income outside the above sources.

Article 21. Expenditures of the Association

1. Expenditure on scientific and technical activities and consulting and service activities.

2. Expenditure on training and enhancing knowledge in accounting, auditing, and finance.

3. International cooperation expenditure;

4. Expenditure on salaries, allowances, travel expenses, insurance, welfare for dedicated staff working for the Association, and administrative management costs of the Association.

5. Other expenditures according to the Association's financial regulations.

Article 22Financial Management and Accounting

The Association's finances and accounting are managed in accordance with the Association's financial and accounting regulations, consistent with state laws on finance and accounting.

Article 23. Financial Disposition Upon Dissolution

When the Association is dissolved, an inventory of assets and funds must be conducted and reported to the Association Executive Board before disposing of remaining assets and funds, and dissolution procedures must be carried out in accordance with Government Decree No. 88/2003/NĐ-CP dated July 30, 2003, on the organization, operation, and management of Associations.

Chapter VI
REWARD AND DISCIPLINE

Article 24. Awards

Individual and collective members who have outstanding achievements in Association work will be commended and rewarded by the Association or recommended for commendation and reward by the State.

Article 25. Disciplinary Measures

Organizations and members damaging the Association's reputation and honor, acting contrary to the Charter and Resolutions of the Association, will be subject to disciplinary measures ranging from reprimand to expulsion depending on the severity of the violation. In cases causing material damage, in addition to disciplinary measures, compensation must also be provided according to the law.

Chapter VII
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 26. Procedure for amending and supplementing the Charter

Any amendment or supplementation to this Charter must be approved by the National Congress of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association.

Article 27. Effectiveness

This Charter consists of seven chapters and twenty-seven articles, adopted by the First National Congress of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association and effective upon approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Central Executive Board of the Vietnam Urban Lighting Association is responsible for guiding the implementation of this Charter./.