Decision No. 83/2003/QĐ-BNV on approving the Statutes of the Vietnam Association of Geology

Pursuant to …;

of the Minister of Home Affairs on approving the Charter of the Vietnam Association of Geology.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS

Pursuant to Decree No. 102/SL-L004 dated May 20, 1957 on the right to establish Associations;

Pursuant to Decree No. 88/2003/NĐ-CP dated July 30, 2003 of the Government on organization, operation, and management of associations;

Pursuant to Decree No. 45/2003/NĐ-CP dated May 9, 2003 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairs;

Considering the proposal of the Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Geology and the Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations,

DECISION:

Article 1. Approves the Charter of the Vietnam Association of Geology which was adopted at the National Congress on October 4, 2003.

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 Association of Geology and the Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

CHARTER

Vietnam Association of Geology

PART I

NAME

Article 1. Name: Vietnam Association of Geology

Trade name: VIETNAM UNION OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Abbreviation: VUGS.

Chapter II

AIMS, PURPOSES AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITY

Article 2. Aims and Objectives

The Vietnam Association of Geology is a voluntary professional social organization of specialized geological associations, provincial and municipal geological associations, collective members, and individual members of specialized geological associations, working together to contribute to the construction of the country during the period of industrialization and modernization.

The Vietnam Association of Geology operates according to the principle of centralization, democracy, and minority obedience to majority, in accordance with the laws of the State, and is a member of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.

Article 3. The Vietnam Association of Geology operates nationwide, with its headquarters located in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The Vietnam Association of Geology has legal personality, its own seal, and its own press organs (newspapers, publications, magazines, clubs...), and bank accounts.

Article 4. Depending on the situation, the Association may establish representative offices in certain localities in accordance with the provisions of the law. The Vietnam Association of Geology may join organizations of similar fields within the region and internationally in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Chapter III

TASKS AND POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 5. The Vietnam Association of Geology has the following tasks and powers:

1. To coordinate and harmonize the activities of member associations in gathering, encouraging, and assisting geological professionals to maintain and promote the tradition of unity, friendship, improve professional expertise, professional ethics, and enhance scientific research and vocational work, disseminate knowledge to contribute to the modernization of the Geological Industry, aiming for a prosperous people, a strong country, a fair, democratic, and civilized society.

2. To organize the implementation of scientific research projects, develop plans for applying scientific and technological issues in various fields of geology.

3. To perform advisory, critical, and social appraisal functions related to geology; participate in providing opinions on the establishment of scientific foundations for policy-making, laws, and development plans related to the geological field.

4. To participate in providing opinions to state agencies on the management of professional practice for association members, assist members in improving their professional expertise and vocational skills, and implement relevant policies and laws related to professional practice.

5. To protect the legitimate rights and interests of member associations and members in accordance with the association's charter.

6. To exchange experiences with domestic and foreign scientific and technical organizations on geology in accordance with the law.

7. To represent member associations in internal and external relations related to the functions and tasks of the association.

8. To raise funds for the association based on membership fees and income from business and service activities in accordance with the law to cover operational expenses.

9. To accept lawful financial support from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals in accordance with the law.

Chapter IV

The organization and operation of the Association follow the principles of voluntariness, self-management, and self-financing.

Article 6. The Vietnam Association of Geology consists of:

The organization and activities of the Association operate on the principle of self-initiation, self-management, and self-financing. The organizational structure of the Association includes:

1. At the central level: The Vietnam Association of Geology.

2. At provincial level: The Provincial Geology Association (hereinafter referred to as the Provincial Association).

3. At grassroots level: Branches; Grassroots organizations with at least five members can establish branches.

The establishment of the Provincial Geology Association is decided by the People's Committee of the province in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 7. National Congress

The highest leading body of the Association is the National Congress, which convenes once every five years. The Congress may convene extraordinary sessions when half of the members of the Central Executive Board of the Association or two-thirds of the specialized provincial and central geology associations request it.

The number and composition of delegates attending the Congress are determined by the incumbent Central Executive Board of the Association.

Responsibilities of the Congress:

- Summarizing and evaluating the activities of the Association during its term, discussing directions and action plans for the new term;

- Approving and amending the Charter (if necessary);

- Electing the Central Executive Board and the Inspection Board of the Association;

- Deciding on important issues regarding the objectives, tasks, and powers of the Association.

Article 8. Voting Principle at the Congress.

- The Congress may vote by raising hands or secret ballot. The form of voting is decided by the Congress.

- Voting on decisions of the Congress must be approved by more than half (one-half) of the present official delegates.

Article 9. Central Executive Board of the Association.

The leading body between two Congress terms is the Central Executive Board of the Association. The number of members of the Central Executive Board of the Association is set by the Congress and directly elected. The number of additional members of the Central Executive Board of the Association may not exceed 20%, as decided by the Central Executive Board of the Association.

The Central Executive Board of the Association has the following responsibilities:

- Lead the implementation of Congress resolutions;

- Leading the implementation of the Charter of the Association;

- Developing relations with organizations both domestically and internationally, contributing to the development of the Association;

- Monitoring the activities of specialized provincial and central geology associations, subcommittees, and other organizations under the Central Executive Board of the Association;

- Electing the Board of Chairmen of the Association and the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and Secretary General;

- Electing the Inspection Board of the Association;

- The Central Executive Board of the Association meets regularly once a year (except in cases of emergency).

Article 10. Board of Chairmen.

The permanent body of the Central Executive Board of the Association is the Board of Chairmen, consisting of the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Secretary General, and some members. The number of members of the Board of Chairmen does not exceed 15% of the total number of members of the Central Executive Board of the Association.

The Board of Chairmen of the Association has the following responsibilities:

- Leading the implementation of resolutions of the Central Executive Board of the Association between two meetings of the Central Executive Board of the Association;

- Formulating and reporting on general activities according to the regulations of the Central Executive Board of the Association;

- Monitoring the activities of specialized provincial and central geology associations, subcommittees, and other organizations under the Association;

- Deciding on forms of rewards and punishments;

- Deciding on the establishment of specialized committees and subordinate organizations of the Association. The establishment of subordinate organizations of the Association follows the provisions of the law and the decision to establish scientific and technological and service organizations in accordance with the law. The Board of Chairmen of the Association promulgates specific regulations on the organization, operation, and management of subordinate organizations based on the provisions of the law;

- Recognizing membership in the Association;

- The Board of Chairmen meets regularly every six months. When necessary, upon the proposal of the Chairman and the Secretary General, the Board of Chairmen may convene extraordinary meetings.

Article 11. Chairman of the General Association.

The Central Executive Board of the General Association elects the Chairman from among the members of the Executive Committee. The Chairman presides over meetings of the General Association's Executive Board and the Executive Committee; directs all activities of the General Association to implement resolutions of the Central Executive Board and the Executive Committee, and is responsible under the law for all activities of the General Association. In the absence of the Chairman, if necessary, the Chairman may delegate authority to a Vice-Chairman to perform the duties of the Chairman.

Article 12. Vice-Chairmen of the General Association.

The Vice-Chairmen are elected by the Central Executive Board of the General Association and are assigned by the Chairman to lead specific areas of activity of the General Association.

Article 13. Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General is elected by the Central Executive Board of the General Association, permanently handles tasks assigned by the Chairman, and manages daily operations of the General Association. The Secretary-General is assisted by the Director of the Office and other Secretaries proposed by the Secretary-General and decided upon by the Chairman of the General Association.

Article 14. Supervisory Board of the General Association.

The Supervisory Board of the General Association has the duty to assist the Executive Committee in supervising compliance with the Charter of the General Association, implementation of resolutions of the Central Executive Board of the General Association, and handling complaints related to organizations and members of the Association.

The Supervisory Board of the General Association has the right to request associations, organizations, units under the General Association, and members to report and present issues related to the content of supervision approved by the Executive Committee of the General Association. The term of office of the Supervisory Board of the General Association is five years, corresponding to the term of the General Association. The Supervisory Board consists of a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, and several members. The Chairperson of the Supervisory Board is a member of the Executive Committee of the General Association.

Chapter V

MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERS

Article 15. Conditions for becoming a member association or member.

Member Associations: Central geological associations and provincial geological associations voluntarily applying to join are recognized as member associations. Central geological associations have their own charters, legal personality, separate accounts, and are established according to legal regulations.

Corporate Members: Organizations operating in the field of geology voluntarily applying to join the Vietnam Geological Association.

Members: Members of specialized geological associations voluntarily applying to join the association.

Organizations and Vietnamese citizens who do not meet the conditions to become members of the General Association but contribute to the Association may become supporting members or associated members of the General Association.

Associated members or honorary members do not participate in elections or candidacies for leadership positions within the General Association and do not vote on matters of the General Association.

Article 16. Duties and rights of member associations.

a) Duties:

- Respect and implement the Charter of the General Association;

- Participate in activities of the General Association;

- Organize exchanges of professional experience and application of specialized science and technology;

- Member associations of the Vietnam Geological Association may join similar associations in the region and internationally according to legal provisions;

- Regularly report their activities to the General Association;

- Pay membership fees as prescribed;

b) Rights:

- Propose, discuss, and criticize the work of the General Association;

- Request the General Association to intervene and protect the legitimate rights and interests of the association and its members;

- Nominate candidates for election to the Executive Board of the General Association;

- Propose commendations to the General Association;

- May apply to leave the General Association.

Article 17. Duties and Benefits of Members

Members have the following duties:

1. Respect the Charter of the General Association, strictly comply with directives and resolutions of the General Association. Promote the development of members and mobilize the masses to support all activities of the Association and the General Association.

2. Carefully build internal solidarity, work together to advance the Vietnam Geology Industry towards standardization and modernization.

3. Actively study politics, culture, and professional knowledge, continuously improving scientific expertise in the field of geology to contribute to the modernization of the Vietnam Geology Industry.

4. Utilize internal strength, national pride, creativity, and honesty in the profession, ready to contribute all abilities, knowledge, and professional experience to serve the people; struggle against thoughts and actions harmful to the reputation and tasks of the General Association.

5. Provide information, promote, and disseminate knowledge about earth sciences and environmental protection to the general public.

6. Participate in activities, read, and disseminate information in journals and publications issued by the General Association and related organizations to continuously improve professional skills.

7. Pay membership fees as prescribed.

Rights of Members:

1. Discuss and vote on all matters of the General Association. Nominate, propose, and elect the Executive Board at various levels of the General Association.

2. Receive political, ideological, moral, professional training, and policies, regulations related to the activities of the General Association.

3. Present research topics in technical and scientific sessions of the Association and the General Association for colleagues to contribute and supplement, making the topic more complete.

4. Have their works reviewed by the Association and the General Association, when necessary, be selected for recommendation to authorities for awards, or recognition of copyright and creation.

5. Be introduced to publish their scientific research works in journals and newsletters of the General Association, Associations, and related organizations.

6. Be protected by the General Association and Associations in legitimate rights and interests in professional activities.

7. Request to leave the General Association.

Chapter VI

REWARDS AND DISCIPLINE

Article 18. Organizations and members of the Association who achieve outstanding results in association work will be commended by the General Association or may be recommended for commendation by relevant authorities.

Article 19. Organizations and members of the Association that violate the following points:

a) Damage the reputation of the General Association;

b) Oppose the objectives and purposes of the General Association, violate the Charter of the General Association, and fail to report on activities to the General Association for one year, then depending on the severity of the offense, they will be reprimanded, warned, up to expulsion from the General Association;

Members disciplined by the authorities who are found not to meet the criteria of membership will have their names removed from the Association;

Units and members under the jurisdiction of an Association level will decide on disciplinary action and report to the Central Executive Board of the Vietnam Geological General Association.

Chapter VII

ASSETS AND FINANCES

Article 20. The financial resources of the Vietnam Geological General Association include:

- Membership fees of members (as stipulated by the Executive Board of the General Association);

- Sponsorship and support funds from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals;

- Support funds from the State through activities linked to State tasks.

- The General Association may establish support funds for scientific and technological activities in accordance with legal provisions;

- Income from other lawful activities in compliance with State regulations.

Financial resources of the General Association are managed and utilized according to the regulations of the Central Executive Board of the General Association and the guidance of the State financial authority.

When the General Association is dissolved, the entire assets of the General Association shall be handled as follows:

a) Assets and finances sponsored by domestic and foreign organizations; assets and finances supported by the State, which the General Association has fulfilled its obligations regarding assets and settled all debts, the remaining assets and financial surplus shall be decided by the competent State authority;

b) For self-owned assets and finances of the General Association, after fulfilling all obligations regarding assets and settling all debts following the dissolution of the General Association, the remaining assets and financial surplus shall be decided by the General Association.

Chapter VIII

AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER

Article 21. These Bylaws consist of eight chapters and twenty-one articles, which were adopted by the National Congress on October 4, 2003, and shall take effect from the date they are approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Only the National Congress of the Vietnam Association of Geology has the right to amend these Bylaws.