Circular No. 98/2017/TT-BTC on the management and use of funds for the Target Program on Developing Social Assistance Systems for the 2016-2020 period

CIRCULAR

Regulations on the management and use of state budget funds for implementing the Target Program on Developing Social Assistance Systems for the 2016-2020 period.

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to Decree No. 163/2016/NĐ-CP dated December 21, 2016, issued by the Government, detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the State Budget Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 87/2017/NĐ-CP dated July 26, 2017, issued by the Government, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Finance;

Pursuant to Decision No. 565/QĐ-TTg dated April 25, 2017 of the Prime Minister approving the Target Program on Developing Social Assistance Systems for the 2016-2020 period (hereinafter referred to as Decision No. 565/QĐ-TTg);

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Administrative and Public Financial Affairs;

The Minister of Finance issues this Circular regulating the management and use of state budget funds for implementing the Target Program on Developing Social Assistance Systems for the 2016-2020 period.

 

PART I

PROVISIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular regulates the management and use of state budget funds (including non-repayable aid directly supporting the state budget) for implementing the Target Program on Developing Social Assistance Systems for the 2016-2020 period (hereinafter referred to as the Program), except for specific-purpose grants to domestic and foreign organizations and individuals or grants where the donor or its authorized representative and the Ministry of Finance have agreed on the content and expenditure levels.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to agencies, units, organizations, and individuals related to the management and use of operating funds from the state budget for implementation of the Program.

Article 3. Source of Funding

The Program's funding includes central government budgets, local government budgets, and other lawful sources.

 

1. Central Government Budget

a) Allocated in the annual state budget expenditure plan of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, governmental agencies, and other central agencies (hereinafter referred to as ministries and central agencies) to implement the assigned tasks under the Program;

b) Supplemental targeted funding for Quảng Ngãi Province and other localities that have not yet achieved budget self-balancing, and to implement the Program’s Projects. For localities that achieve budget self-balancing, the central government budget will support certain activities including: building databases, piloting models, training, and capacity enhancement.

"1. For funding allocated in the regular expenditure budget: the process of preparing the budget, managing, using, and settling accounts for funding shall be carried out in accordance with the Law on State Budget and guiding documents thereof. Agencies and units assigned the task of conducting vocational training at the primary level and under three months for urban women must prepare detailed budgets and send them to the finance authorities at the same level. The budget must include detailed explanations of the number of female workers expected to be trained and the training costs for each profession in the planning year, along with reports on the results and effectiveness of vocational training linked to employment targets for the current year to serve as the basis for allocating the budget."

a) Ensuring local government budget resources to fulfill tasks funded by the local government as stipulated in Decision No. 565/QĐ-TTg;

b) Proactively allocating local government budgets to effectively support the implementation of the Program’s Projects in conjunction with the central government budget as stipulated in Decision No. 565/QĐ-TTg.

Article 4. Common Content and Expenditure Levels for Projects

1. Expenditure on information dissemination and publicity regarding social assistance system development for vulnerable groups, prevention of prostitution, drug rehabilitation, child protection, gender equality

a) Scope of information dissemination and publicity according to Decision No. 565/QĐ-TTg. Heads of agencies and units responsible for disseminating information and publicity shall be responsible for selecting formats and contents that ensure economy, effectiveness, and compliance with the approved budget, within the allocated budget;

b) Content and expenditure levels

- Production, editing, and broadcasting of programs, special features, short stories, reports, articles on mass media (radio, television, newspapers, magazines); purchasing, constructing, duplicating, and distributing informational publications and materials: Expenditure levels according to Decree No. 18/2014/NĐ-CP dated March 14, 2014 of the Government on remuneration rates in the press sector and actual expenditures approved by competent authorities, within the allocated budget;

- Designing, constructing, purchasing new, repairing content for posters, banners, billboards, slogans, electronic boards: Expenditure levels based on market prices in the locality and valid expense receipts;

- Radio broadcasting at community level:

+ Supporting the compilation of radio scripts: VND 80,000 per article from 350 to less than 600 words, VND 100,000 per article from 600 words and above;

+ Radio broadcasting allowance: VND 15,000 per session, VND 20,000 per session for ethnic language broadcasting;

- Allowance for those directly participating in mobile publicity campaigns (in addition to allowances included in regular operating budgets as per Joint Circular No. 46/2016/TTLT-BTC-BVHTTDL dated March 11, 2016 of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism guiding special management regimes for provincial and district mobile propaganda teams): VND 75,000 per person per day when conducting publicity in communes, wards, towns in difficult areas as per the Prime Minister's decision on the list of administrative units in difficult areas, VND 50,000 per person per day for other areas.

2. Expenditure on establishing, maintaining, operating, managing systems, updating databases to serve specialized project activities

a) Scope of establishing, maintaining, operating, managing systems, and updating databases according to Decision No. 565/QĐ-TTg;

b) Content and expenditure levels

- Expenditure on creating electronic information: Implemented according to Article 3 and Article 4 of Circular No. 194/2012/TT-BTC dated November 15, 2012 of the Ministry of Finance guiding expenditure levels for creating electronic information to maintain the regular operation of agencies and units using state budget funds;

- Expenditure on purchasing, constructing software; leasing maintenance, repair, minor repairs of equipment belonging to the infrastructure, maintaining and storing lectures on the Internet: Implemented according to contracts, invoices, and valid expense receipts and in accordance with laws on bidding.

3. Expenditure on surveys, statistical investigations to serve specialized project activities

Content and expenditure levels implemented according to Article 3 and Article 4 of Circular No. 109/2016/TT-BTC dated June 30, 2016 of the Ministry of Finance guiding the management, use, and settlement of expenses for conducting surveys, national censuses (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 109/2016/TT-BTC).

4. Translation Expenses

a) Translation costs from foreign languages to Vietnamese and vice versa: Content and expenditure levels implemented according to Point g Clause 1 Article 2 of Circular No. 01/2010/TT-BTC dated January 6, 2010 of the Ministry of Finance stipulating expenditure regulations for hosting foreign guests working in Vietnam, organizing international conferences and seminars in Vietnam, and hosting domestic guests (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 01/2010/TT-BTC).

b) Interpreting (spoken translation) from Vietnamese to ethnic minority languages and vice versa: The rate of remuneration shall be equivalent to the rate for hiring guides who also provide ethnic language interpreting as stipulated in Circular No. 109/2016/TT-BTC.

c) Translation and proofreading of documents: The expenditure level shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 7, Article 4 of Circular No. 338/2016/TT-BTC dated December 28, 2016, issued by the Ministry of Finance, regarding the preparation of budgets, management, utilization, and settlement of state budget funds to ensure the work of drafting normative legal documents and perfecting the legal system.

d) In cases where agencies and units utilize their own staff for translation and proofreading work, they may be reimbursed up to a maximum of 50% of the external hiring rates specified in Points a and b of this Clause and Point c of this Sub-Clause.

5. Training, seminar, and short-term training costs

a) The target group for short-term training programs is determined by Decision No. 565/QĐ-TTg.

b) The content and expenditure levels shall be carried out according to the provisions of Articles 2 and 3 of Circular No. 139/2010/TT-BTC dated September 21, 2010, issued by the Ministry of Finance, concerning the preparation of budgets, management, and utilization of state budget funds for training and capacity building for civil servants (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 139/2010/TT-BTC).

In addition to the aforementioned expenditure items, the agency or unit assigned the task of organizing training courses may use the program's funding to support participants not receiving salary from the state budget with the following expenditure items:

- Travel expenses from place of residence to the training location (one round trip);

- Accommodation rental support expenses (in cases where the training institution does not have the conditions to arrange accommodation for trainees and they must rent);

The maximum expenditure level is regulated in Article 5, Article 7, and Clause 3, Article 12 of Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC dated April 28, 2017, issued by the Ministry of Finance, concerning travel expense regulations and conference expense regulations (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC). In cases where trainees self-provide transportation, they will be supported at a rate of 0.2 liters of gasoline per kilometer based on administrative boundaries and gasoline prices at the time of training.

6. Costs for developing, compiling materials, training programs, and manuals; constructing electronic lecture materials for online counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation training:

a) Costs for developing and compiling materials, training programs: The expenditure level shall be implemented according to the provisions of Points c and d, Clause 2, Article 4 of Circular No. 123/2009/TT-BTC dated June 17, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Finance, concerning the content and expenditure levels for developing framework programs and compiling programs and textbooks for university, college, and vocational education (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 123/2009/TT-BTC);

b) Construction of operation manuals: Implemented according to contracts, invoices, and legal documents and in accordance with laws on bidding, ordering, and assigning tasks;

c) Construction of electronic lecture materials for online counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation training: The maximum expenditure level is 5 million VND per lecture.

7. Costs for organizing counseling sessions and specialized lectures

a) Hiring experts for counseling and specialized lectures: Implemented according to the provisions of Point 1.1, Clause 1, Article 3 of Circular No. 139/2010/TT-BTC;

b) Renting venues, tables, chairs, sound systems, and other necessary equipment (if applicable): The expenditure level shall be based on actual expenses and consistent with the approved budget;

c) Water expenses for attendees: The expenditure level shall be according to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 12 of Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC;

d) Material expenses for counseling and specialized lectures: The expenditure level shall be based on actual expenses;

8. Support costs for individuals during temporary shelter stay

a) Establishing individual files: 45,000 VND per file (including photos);

b) Food support for individuals accepted and cared for at temporary shelters: 70,000 VND per person per day;

c) Support for grassroots cadres tasked with providing psychological counseling: 15,000 VND per person per counseling session but not exceeding 600,000 VND per cadre per month;

d) Purchasing professional guidance materials for caring for individuals: Maximum 500,000 VND per individual or group of individuals (in cases where multiple individuals are part of the same assistance group);

đ) Purchasing essential personal living supplies: Maximum 700,000 VND per individual;

e) Medical examination and medication purchase costs for common illnesses during temporary shelter stay: The support level shall be decided by the head of the agency or unit responsible for the budget, in line with actual circumstances;

g) Transportation costs for transferring individuals to higher-level facilities when intervention and assistance exceed community capabilities, to social assistance centers, back to families, or to legal aid centers

- Food support for individuals during transportation: Maximum support level is 70,000 VND per individual per day, not exceeding three days;

- Transportation fare support for individuals or rental vehicle costs: The expenditure level shall be based on public transport fares applicable in the locality. If using vehicles from the agency or unit, the support level is 0.2 liters of gasoline per kilometer based on actual kilometers traveled and gasoline prices at the time of transportation. If renting from outside, the rental cost shall be based on the agreed contract price and market rates at the time of rental;

- Support for accompanying staff (excluding current travel allowances): 70,000 VND per person per day.

9. To inspect, evaluate the implementation of support work for victims of trafficking returning home, technical support on implementing procedures and service provision standards for child protection; mid-term and final evaluations on children; organize domestic conferences and seminars on developing social assistance systems, gender equality, and supporting victims of trafficking; interim and final evaluations of pilot model implementations and support work for victims of trafficking: The content and funding levels shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2, Section II of Circular No. 06/2007/TT-BTC dated January 26, 2007, issued by the Ministry of Finance guiding the preparation of budget estimates, management, and utilization of funds to ensure the inspection of policy, strategy, planning, and implementation, and Chapter II and Chapter III of Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC.

10. To cooperate and exchange experiences on social assistance for vulnerable groups, gender equality, organizing programs to connect and introduce job opportunities for drug addicts and post-rehabilitation individuals: The content and funding levels shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 4, Article 2, Clause 2 and Clause 3, Article 3, Article 4 of Circular No. 01/2010/TT-BTC, and Chapter II and Chapter III of Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC.

11. To research and develop pilot models; assess outcomes and effectiveness of the development of social work professions, care and functional recovery for people with mental illness and those with cognitive disorders, community-based care for special-needs children; strengthen and develop networks of social assistance facilities; establish standards and conditions for gender equality support services; research and develop operational mechanisms for new techniques in drug rehabilitation centers, counseling and treatment support points for drug addiction according to the Drug Rehabilitation Reform Project; study psychological characteristics of different groups of drug users in Vietnam, integrate anti-prostitution activities with economic and social development programs; develop and standardize victim support services at assistance facilities and in communities: The content and funding levels shall be implemented according to the provisions of Articles 7, 8, and 9 of Joint Circular No. 55/2015/TTLT-BTC-BKHCN dated April 22, 2015, issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology guiding the establishment, allocation, and settlement of state budget funds for scientific and technological tasks.

Agencies and units shall not use Program funds to implement scientific and technological tasks funded at the facility, ministry, provincial, and national levels.

12. To organize contests and disseminate laws related to social assistance for staff, employees, and volunteers: The content and funding levels shall be implemented according to Point k, Clause 1, Article 5 of Joint Circular No. 14/2014/TTLT-BTC-BTP dated January 27, 2014, issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice regarding the preparation, management, and utilization of state budget funds for legal education and public awareness.

Chapter II

CONTENT AND SPECIAL FUNDING LEVELS FOR EACH PROJECT

Section 1

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS

Article 5. Funding for repair, upgrade, renovation of physical infrastructure and procurement of equipment for social assistance facilities

1. The list of equipment in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, suitable to the scale of social assistance facilities. Depending on specific requirements, conditions, and budget capacity, the Minister, the Head of the central agency, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed city (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee) or the Head of the agency or unit according to the local budget classification, Ministry, or sector shall approve the Project for repairing, upgrading, renovating physical infrastructure and technical facilities, and procuring equipment for social assistance facilities to meet the national standards for care, ensuring functional zones and construction items that meet the activities of care, rehabilitation, treatment, and provision of social work services.

2. The specific level of support according to the approved project must be consistent with the allocated budget estimate, prioritizing the procurement of transportation equipment, emergency first aid, living, and rehabilitation equipment for beneficiaries.

Article 6. Funding for construction and operation of social assistance models for vulnerable groups

1. Funding for constructing social work center models, comprehensive social welfare facilities; facilities for prevention and treatment of mental disorders

The state budget allocates operating funds for these models within the regular expenditure budget of agencies and units according to the current state budget classification. Additionally, funding from the Program supports the following items and levels of expenditure:

a) Comprehensive social welfare facilities and facilities for prevention and treatment of mental disorders: Maximum support of 30 billion VND per facility for projects involving repairs, upgrades, renovations, expansions, and increased service capacity; 20 billion VND per facility for projects purchasing specialized equipment and initial supplies for newly constructed comprehensive social welfare facilities and facilities for prevention and treatment of mental disorders that have been completed;

b) Social work center models: Initial equipment support for newly constructed centers at a maximum of 10 billion VND per center; support for repairs, upgrades, renovations of rooms and procurement of necessary equipment for converting social welfare facilities into social work centers at a maximum of 15 billion VND per center.

2. Funding for pilot family and individual foster care models with a time limit

a) Support for families and individuals fostering beneficiaries of social welfare:

- Monthly allowances and other forms of assistance as stipulated in Clause 1, Clause 2, Article 20 of Decree No. 136/2013/ND-CP dated October 21, 2013 of the Government on social assistance policies for social welfare beneficiaries and Clause 3, Clause 4, Article 17 of Decree No. 28/2012/ND-CP dated April 10, 2012 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Persons with Disabilities; - One-time support for purchasing personal items for beneficiaries: Maximum of 700,000 VND per beneficiary; b) Support for social welfare institutions directly returning social welfare beneficiaries to the community for family or individual care (excluding beneficiaries temporarily housed at the institution who have already received support as stipulated in Clause 8, Article 4 of this Circular):

- Costs for transporting beneficiaries back to their place of residence: As specified in Point g, Clause 8, Article 4 of this Circular;

- Communication costs with families or individuals caring for beneficiaries: Maximum of 200,000 VND per beneficiary;

- Guidance costs for families on how to care for beneficiaries: 500,000 VND per beneficiary.

3. Funding for vocational training models linked to job placement for particularly disadvantaged beneficiaries

a) Content, form, and procedures for implementing vocational training models linked to job placement for particularly disadvantaged beneficiaries based on community involvement are carried out according to the professional guidance of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs;

b) Based on the vocational training models linked to job placement for particularly disadvantaged beneficiaries issued by the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, agencies and units according to the local budget classification, central ministries, and agencies take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to submit to the Minister, the Head of the central agency, or the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee for selection and piloting of models that are appropriate for particularly disadvantaged beneficiaries;

c) Contents and levels of expenditure for building and implementing the model:

- Support for short-term basic training under three months for particularly disadvantaged beneficiaries: The level of support for training costs, food expenses, and travel expenses is in accordance with the regulations for poor households as stipulated in Clause 2 and Clause 3, Article 4 of Decision No. 46/2015/QD-TTg dated September 28, 2015 of the Prime Minister regarding support policies for short-term basic training (hereinafter referred to as Decision No. 46/2015/QD-TTg);

Specifically, for disabled children, the training cost support is in accordance with Clause 1, Article 4 of Decision No. 46/2015/QD-TTg;

- Surveying, identifying, selecting social welfare beneficiaries with needs and capabilities to participate in vocational training; evaluating and concluding the model: The contents and levels of expenditure are implemented in accordance with Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC and Circular No. 109/2016/TT-BTC. 4. Funding for building temporary shelter house models serving in active duty; a) Content, form, and procedures for implementing temporary shelter house models are carried out according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs;. b) Based on the temporary shelter house models guided by the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs, depending on specific conditions, requirements, and budget capacity, agencies and units according to the local budget classification, central ministries, and agencies take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to submit to the Minister, the Head of the central agency, or the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee for approval of new construction projects for temporary shelters or upgrading the physical infrastructure and equipment of existing facilities to be used as temporary shelters to receive and care for vulnerable groups.

- Expenses for surveying and identifying social assistance beneficiaries with needs and capabilities to participate in vocational training; evaluating and summarizing models: The content and funding levels shall be implemented in accordance with Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC and Circular No. 109/2016/TT-BTC.

4. Expenses for constructing a temporary shelter model

a) The content, form, and implementation procedures for the temporary shelter model shall be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs;

b) Based on the temporary shelter model guided by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, depending on specific conditions, requirements, and budget capacity; the agency or unit under the division of the Ministry, central agencies, or local authorities in charge, in coordination with relevant agencies, shall submit to the Minister, head of the central agency, or Chairman of the People's Committee of the province for approval of the project to build a new temporary shelter or upgrade the facilities and equipment of existing premises to be used as a temporary shelter to receive and care for vulnerable individuals.

c) The state budget allocates funds for the regular operation of the temporary shelter house according to the分级预算规定。此外，资金还来自本通函第八条第四款规定的某些内容和对象的支出标准的计划资金。

Article 7. Support costs for developing programs, textbooks, and long-term social work assistance training

1. Support costs for educational institutions to develop and improve programs and textbooks for intermediate vocational education and college-level social work training that ensure seamless connection with bachelor's degree social work training; and to develop and improve programs and textbooks for master's and doctoral level social work training: The content and expenditure standards shall be applied as stipulated in Circular No. 123/2009/TT-BTC.

2. Support costs for employees, civil servants, staff, and social work volunteers to undergo short-term training at the primary, intermediate, college, and university levels: Implementation shall be carried out according to the provisions set forth in Point b Clause 3 Article 1, Article 2, and Article 3 of Circular No. 139/2010/TT-BTC.

                                               

Section 2

PROJECT TO DEVELOP THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM

         Article 8. Support costs for Child Social Work Centers or child components within Social Work Centers, county-level child protection service facilities, or county-level child protection advisory offices

1. Content of support: Purchase of necessary equipment and supplies to provide child protection services as prescribed by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

2. Level of support:

a) Child Social Work Centers or child components within Social Work Centers: The level of support shall be determined according to the approved project, with a maximum of 1.3 billion VND per center;

b) County-level child protection service facilities or county-level child protection advisory offices: The level of support shall be determined according to the approved project, with a maximum of 500 million VND per facility, office.

Article 9. Support costs National Hotline

1. Costs for upgrading and purchasing equipment for the National Hotline, including upgrades and purchases of equipment for central counseling and support lines for children; purchase of equipment for two regional branch centers located in Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam: The level of support shall be determined according to the approved project and in accordance with the allocated budget.

2. Support costs for the operations of regional branch centers of the National Child Protection Hotline

a) Items of expenditure:

- Telephone and internet charges;

- Maintenance costs for the hotline and other related costs;

- Salaries for hotline staff, consultants, and volunteers; supervision of quality counseling and hotline volunteers;

- Training costs for counseling staff of the hotline;

- Publicity costs for the National Child Protection Hotline;

b) Expenditure levels shall be based on actual occurrences and current regulations of the State for government agencies and public institutions. Specifically, salaries for staff, volunteers, and professional supervisors shall be implemented in accordance with labor contract laws.

Article 10. Support costs for providing and connecting child protection services; establishing a network, receiving and processing information, reports, and complaints about child abuse 1. Support costs for children who have been abused or are at risk of violence, exploitation, abandonment, and children in special circumstances during their temporary stay at accommodation sites: The expenditure standard shall be as stipulated in Clause 8 Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Support costs for individuals providing information about children: 60,000 VND per child.

3. Support costs for telephone expenses for volunteers to receive information and connect services to implement support and intervention plans for children: 100,000 VND per person per month.

4. Support costs for individuals bringing children in urgent need of protection to centers or facilities:

a) Food allowance: 70,000 VND per person per day, not exceeding three days and up to two people;

b) Travel expenses (round trip, maximum two people): The expenditure level shall be based on the public transportation fare applicable in the locality or 0.2 liters of gasoline per kilometer based on the actual distance traveled and the gasoline price at the time of travel (in case of self-provided transportation).

. Support costs for

Article 11developing and implementing models for child intervention and assistance1. Types of models for child intervention and assistance

a) Models for connecting and transferring, finding substitute families for children who have been abused or are at risk of violence, exploitation, abandonment, and children in special circumstances;

b) Models for providing and connecting basic social services such as health care, education, legal aid, and social services for children who have been abused or are at risk of violence, exploitation, abandonment, and children in special circumstances;

c) Pilot models for substitute care for children in special circumstances.

a) Criteria and conditions for selecting lists of communes, districts participating in implementing models; objectives and specific activities of each model shall be carried out according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs;

2. Implementation forms

b) The central budget ensures funding for model development within the budget of ministries and central agencies responsible for implementing the models and supplements targeted funding for localities to implement the models. Funding for scaling up models shall be guaranteed by local budgets;

c) Based on the activities of each model, current financial expenditure regulations, and the content and expenditure standards stipulated in this Circular, the Minister, Head of Central Agencies shall decide on specific support levels for models implemented at the central level, while the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall decide on specific support levels for models implemented at the local level upon the proposal of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (or the Department of Finance according to the locality's classification).

. Support costs for

Article 12collecting and updating child data into the management software for child subjects1. Supporting one commune-level officer to collect and update data: 180,000 VND per person per month for officers in communes, wards, towns classified as difficult areas according to the Prime Minister's Decision on the list of administrative units in difficult areas, and 120,000 VND per person per month for officers in other regions.

1. Support for one grassroots-level officer to collect and update data: 180,000 VND/person/month for officers in communes, wards, towns classified as difficult areas according to the Prime Minister's Decision on the list of administrative units in difficult areas, and 120,000 VND/person/month for officers in other regions.

2. Officials at the district level conducting inspections on data collection and updating activities: 300,000 VND/district/quarter. The number of officials conducting inspections shall be determined by the head of the agency or unit responsible for the budget estimate.

3. Officials who have been provided financial support according to the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article shall not be supported with funds for inspection, supervision, data collection, and updating from the regular operating expenses of their units as stipulated in Circular No. 109/2016/TT-BTC, Circular No. 40/2017/TT-BTC, and vice versa.

 

Section 3

PROJECT TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL GOALS ON GENDER EQUALITY

GENDER EQUALITY

            Article 13- Expenses for supporting beneficiaries and information providers about beneficiaries

1. Expenditure on receiving and supporting beneficiaries when residing at social work centers; violence response service facilities; trusted addresses - temporary shelters: Content and expenditure levels as prescribed in Clause 8, Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Expenditure on supporting information providers about beneficiaries: 60,000 VND/beneficiary.

 

Article 14SUPPORT FOR PROVIDING GENDER EQUALITY SERVICES AT SOCIAL WORK CENTERS

1. Expenditure on purchasing and repairing necessary equipment to provide gender equality support services at social work centers (including hotlines) to meet the standards for providing gender equality services as prescribed by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs: Expenditure levels as approved by the competent authority, with a maximum of 1.5 billion VND/center.

2. The state budget allocates regular operating funds for social work centers according to the current state budget allocation.

Article 15SUPPORT FOR BUILDING AND PILOTING VIOLENCE RESPONSE SERVICE FACILITIES

1. Expenditure on repairing and purchasing necessary equipment to provide services: Expenditure levels as approved by the competent authority, with a maximum of 2 billion VND/facility.

2. Expenditure on operational costs of the model during the pilot service provision period: Maximum support of 800 million VND/facility/year for implementing reception and support activities for beneficiaries while residing at the facility; monitoring and collecting beneficiary data; psychological counseling for beneficiaries, and other necessary activities.

Article 16SUPPORT FOR BUILDING AND OPERATING TRUSTED ADDRESSES - TEMPORARY SHELTERS IN COMMUNITIES

1. One-time expenditure on purchasing necessary equipment to serve service provision activities: Maximum 40 million VND/address, temporary shelter.

2. Expenditure on operational costs during the pilot operation period:

a) Expenditure on telephone charges for hotline staff to promptly support victims of violence: Maximum 200,000 VND/month, not exceeding two people;

b) Expenditure on electricity and water costs: Maximum 100,000 VND/month.

Article 17SUPPORT FOR BUILDING AND PILOTING SAFE CITY AND SCHOOL MODELS

1. Expenditure on establishing "Safe City and Friendly to Women and Girls" standards

a) Expenditure on surveying and evaluating safety levels: As prescribed in Article 3 and Article 4 of Circular No. 109/2016/TT-BTC;

b) Expenditure on preparing reports to review safety levels and propose response plans: Expenditure level of 6 million VND/report.

2. Expenditure on supporting the establishment and operation of the "Safe, Friendly, Non-Violent School" model during the pilot implementation period

a) One-time expenditure on purchasing necessary equipment as prescribed by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs for the "Consultation Room" at selected schools implementing the model (speakers, radios, computers, tables, chairs, projectors, bookshelves, books, and other necessary equipment): Maximum 50 million VND/school;

b) Expenditure on training and enhancing skills for teachers and students; providing parents with information on preventive measures and responses to violence at school through various communication channels: Expenditure levels as prescribed in Clause 1, Clause 5, and Clause 6 of Article 4 of this Circular;

c) Establishing support services for preventing violence, integrating violence prevention content into sports clubs and extracurricular activities

- Expenditure on preparing teaching materials on violence prevention for sports clubs and extracurricular activities of schools: 80,000 VND/page (350 words);

- Expenditure on organizing counseling sessions and special lectures on violence prevention for students and trainees: As prescribed in Clause 7 of Article 4 of this Circular.

Article 18EXPENDITURE ON HOTLINE SERVICES FOR PREVENTION AND RESPONSE TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

1. One-time expenditure on purchasing equipment to serve service provision activities (tables, chairs, soundproofing systems, telephone systems connected to computer systems storing information, call counting, classification, direct connection between beneficiaries and counseling and emergency support departments, between hotlines and trusted addresses - temporary shelters in communities and violence response service facilities; other necessary equipment): Maximum 300 million VND/hotline.

2. Expenditure on operational costs during the pilot implementation period (hotline maintenance fees; training and instruction for on-site counseling staff and hotline operators; publicizing the hotline through mass media; other necessary expenditures): Maximum 200 million VND/hotline/year.

Article 19EXPENDITURE ON SUPPORTING WOMEN'S PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

1. Expenditure on training women with the need to establish small and medium-sized enterprises in business start-up and management skills: Expenditure levels as prescribed in Clause 5 and Clause 6 of Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Expenditure on one-time repair and purchase of equipment for social work centers or public employment service centers selected to support women's business development along product value chains: Expenditure levels as approved by the competent authority, with a maximum of 100 million VND/center.

Article 20EXPENDITURE ON ACTIVITIES OF MODELS AND CLUBS SUPPORTING WOMEN DURING THE PILOT PERIOD

1. Expenditure on activities of the "Women's Support Club Model for Reducing Forced Marriages with Foreigners and Gender-Based Violence in Particularly Difficult Economic and Social Conditions Areas": Maximum 30 million VND/club/year.

2. Funding for the "Women Entrepreneurs Club" (drinks, venue rental, equipment, materials, and other necessary expenses): Maximum 30 million VND per club per year.

3. Pilot funding for the model "Female Factory Worker Club" in industrial zones and export processing zones.

a) One-time funding for purchasing and supplementing equipment for the club (speakers, tables and chairs, bookshelves, books, and other necessary expenses): Maximum 30 million VND per club.

b) Funding for supporting club activities (drinks, venue rental, materials, and other necessary expenses): Maximum 30 million VND per club per year.

Section 4

PROJECT TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF SERVICES TO SUPPORT DRUG ADDICTS, PROSTITUTES, AND VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

Article 21. Funding for drug addiction rehabilitation activities

1. Funding for organizing and piloting vocational training for drug addicts: Content and level of funding according to Circular No. 152/2016/TT-BTC dated October 17, 2016, issued by the Ministry of Finance on the management and use of funds for supporting basic education and training programs under three months.

2. Piloting effective drug rehabilitation models from around the world; drug rehabilitation recovery models suitable for the economic and social characteristics of each region

a) Economic and technical standards for implementing models following the guidelines of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs;

b) Based on the economic and technical standards of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, current financial expenditure regulations, and the content and levels of funding stipulated in this Circular, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee decides the specific support levels for each model implemented at the local level upon the proposal of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (or the Department of Finance according to the division of responsibilities of the locality), with a maximum of 50 million VND per model per year.

3. Funding for repairing, upgrading, and purchasing equipment for drug rehabilitation facilities that have deteriorated; drug rehabilitation facilities implementing the transformation according to Resolution No. 98/NQ-CP dated December 26, 2014 of the Government on strengthening guidance for drug prevention, control, and rehabilitation work in new circumstances to meet the national standards for treatment.

a) The list of equipment for drug rehabilitation facilities shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. Depending on specific requirements, conditions, and the budget capacity of the locality, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or the head of the agency or unit according to the division of responsibilities of the locality approves the project for repairing, upgrading, and purchasing equipment for drug rehabilitation facilities to meet the national standards for treatment;

b) Specific support levels according to the approved project, with a maximum of 2 billion VND per facility.

4. Funding for establishing operational mechanisms for new technical models for converting compulsory drug rehabilitation centers into voluntary drug rehabilitation centers; multi-functional centers

a) In the case where a compulsory drug rehabilitation center is completely converted into a voluntary drug treatment center: Support for initial repairs, upgrades, and purchase of equipment for the center, with a maximum of 3 billion VND per center;

b) In the case where a compulsory drug rehabilitation center is converted into a multi-functional center (divided into areas for compulsory drug rehabilitation, voluntary drug rehabilitation, social welfare centers, drug treatment centers using substitute drugs, satellite centers of drug rehabilitation centers): Support for initial repairs, upgrades, and purchase of equipment including medical equipment and other means serving drug rehabilitation in each area, with a maximum of 2 billion VND per area.

5. Funding for Counseling Points for Drug Addiction Care and Treatment Support

a) Content of support: Repairs, upgrades, and purchase of specialized equipment and necessary items to serve the operations of the Counseling Point;

b) Support levels according to the approved project, with a maximum of 3 billion VND per Counseling Point.

Article 22. Funding for anti-prostitution activities

1. Funding for group discussions and counseling for sex workers: Level of funding according to Clause 7, Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Funding for pilot models

a) Model providing services to sex workers in the community, Social Work Centers: Maximum 350 million VND per model per year for repairs, purchase of necessary equipment to provide services, and support for operating costs during the pilot period;

b) Model supporting the rights of workers in establishments prone to prostitution-related vices; Model enhancing the capacity of peer groups, self-help groups, and sex worker clubs in accessing, communicating, and supporting harm reduction and gender-based violence prevention: Maximum 250 million VND per model per year to support monthly remuneration, travel expenses for members of the steering committee, communicators, volunteers, and regular living expenses, venue rental for group activities, and other necessary expenses during the pilot period;

c) Economic and technical standards for implementing models following the guidelines of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs;

d) Based on the economic and technical standards of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, current financial expenditure regulations, and the content and levels of funding stipulated in this Circular, the Minister or Head of the central agency decides the specific support levels for models implemented at the central level, and the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee decides the specific support levels for models implemented at the local level upon the proposal of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (or the Department of Finance according to the division of responsibilities of the locality).

Article 23. Funding for victims of trafficking

1. For piloting support models for victims in the community: A maximum of three hundred and fifty million dong per facility to repair and purchase necessary equipment to serve the provision of services and support the operational costs of the model during the pilot period. Based on the economic and technical framework set by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, the current financial expenditure regulations, and the specific content and funding levels stipulated in this Circular, the Minister, the head of central agencies shall decide on the specific level of support for models implemented at the central level, while the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province shall decide on the specific level of support for models implemented at the local level upon the proposal of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (or the Department of Finance according to the division of the locality).

2. For purchasing supplies and equipment to serve the work of supporting victims at victim support facilities and social welfare institutions: The specific level of support shall be determined according to the approved Project, with a maximum of five hundred million dong per facility.

Chapter IV

ESTABLISHING BUDGET PROJECTIONS, ALLOCATING AND SETTLING ACCOUNTS

Article 24. Annual budget projections

The preparation of the five-year budget projection, the three-year financial plan, and the annual budget projection for the Program shall be carried out in accordance with the State Budget Law and related guiding documents. In addition, this Circular provides further guidance on the following points:

1. Central first-level budget units and provincial People's Committees shall prepare detailed budget projections for implementing the Program according to the Projects and areas of expenditure and submit them to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs before July 20th of the planning year.

2. Based on the budget projections for the Program submitted by relevant ministries, central agencies, and provinces and centrally-administered cities, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs shall prepare the Program's budget projection and submit it to the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance before August 15th of the planning year.

3. The budget for public services sent to the agencies specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article must include a detailed explanation of the indicators, specialized tasks, and funds for implementing the activities of the Program.

Article 25. Allocation, management, utilization, and settlement of accounts

1. The allocation, management, utilization, and settlement of accounts for the Program's budget shall be carried out in accordance with the State Budget Law 2015, Decree No. 163/2016/ND-CP dated December 21, 2016, of the Government detailing certain provisions of the State Budget Law, and other guiding documents.

2. For activities and tasks assigned to agencies and units that sign contracts with other agencies and units to implement; the vouchers serving as the basis for settlement and finalization shall be kept by the agency or unit assigned the budget, including: Contract (accompanied by a detailed budget approved by the leading agency), acceptance certificate, contract termination record, summary table of expenses incurred under the signed contract, payment authorization or expense voucher, and other related documents. Specific invoices and vouchers for expenditures directly made by the agency executing the contract shall be retained by that agency.

3. The management and payment of funds for repairing physical assets shall be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 92/2017/TT-BTC dated September 18, 2017, of the Ministry of Finance regarding the preparation of budgets, allocation, and settlement of accounts for funds to implement repairs, maintenance, renovation, upgrading, and expansion of physical assets.

4. The procurement of equipment shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on bidding and related guiding documents.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 26. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from November 15, 2017.

2. The following provisions cease to be effective from the date this Circular takes effect:

a) Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4; Subpoint d Point 6.2, Points 6.3, and 6.5 Clause 6; Clauses 7 and 8 Article 3 of Joint Circular No. 11/2011/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH dated January 26, 2011, of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs guiding the management and use of funds to implement Decision No. 32/2010/QD-TTg dated March 25, 2010, of the Prime Minister approving the Development Plan for Social Work Profession for the period 2010-2020;

b) Subpoint d Clause 1; Clause 2; Subpoint d Clause 3; Clauses 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 Article 3 of Joint Circular No. 115/2012/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH dated July 18, 2012, of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs guiding the management and use of funds to implement the Community-based Social Assistance and Functional Recovery Program for Mentally Ill Persons and Persons with Mental Disorders for the period 2011-2020;

c) Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 Article 3 of Joint Circular No. 213/2013/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH dated December 30, 2013, guiding the management and use of funds to implement the Community-based Care Program for Orphan Children without Guardianship, Abandoned Children, Children Infected with HIV/AIDS, Children Affected by Agent Orange, Severely Disabled Children, and Children Affected by Natural Disasters and Catastrophes for the period 2013-2020;

d) Circular No. 181/2011/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH dated December 15, 2011, of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs guiding the management and use of funds to implement the National Child Protection Program for the period 2011-2015;

đ) Circular No. 56/2012/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH dated April 9, 2012, of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs guiding the management and use of funds to implement the National Gender Equality Program for the period 2011-2015;

e) Circular No. 10/2012/TTLT-BTC-BLDTBXH dated January 19, 2012, of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs guiding the management and use of funds to implement the Action Plan to Combat Prostitution for the period 2011-2015.

3. In cases where the normative legal documents cited in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced by other normative legal documents, the corresponding Articles, Clauses, and Points in the amended, supplemented, or replacing documents shall apply.

4. In cases where specific expenditures not provided for in the Government's documents, the Prime Minister's documents, the Ministry of Finance's documents, and this Circular arise during the implementation process, the People's Council of the province shall consider and decide in accordance with the budget capacity of the Program as stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 21 of Decree No. 163/2016/ND-CP dated December 21, 2016 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on State Budget.

5. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, they should be reported to the Ministry of Finance for study and resolution./.