Some results of the 5th Central Committee Conference (11th term)

The 5th Central Committee Conference adopted four Conclusions and one Resolution, namely: the Conclusion on “Reviewing the implementation of the 1992 Constitution and some basic contents needing amendment and supplementation of the 1992 Constitution”; the Conclusion on “Reviewing the implementation of Central Resolution 7 (9th Congress) on “Continuing to innovate land policies and laws in the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country”; the Conclusion on “Some issues on wages and orientation for wage reform until 2020”; the Conclusion on “Continuing to implement Central Resolution 3 (10th Congress) on “Strengthening the Party's leadership over the work of preventing and combating corruption and waste”; and the Resolution on “Some issues on social policy in the period 2012 - 2020”.

Implementing the work program for the entire term, after 9 days of urgent and serious work in a democratic and innovative atmosphere, the Conference of the Central Committee of the Party (11th term), held from May 7 to 15, 2012, completed the planned agenda.

Overview of the 5th Central Committee Meeting (11th term). Photo by KT.

At the Conference, the Central Committee unanimously adopted four Conclusions and one Resolution, namely: the Conclusion of the 5th Central Committee Conference on "Reviewing the implementation of the 1992 Constitution and some basic contents needing amendment and supplementation of the 1992 Constitution"; the Conclusion of the 5th Central Committee Conference on "Reviewing the implementation of Resolution No. 7 of the 9th Central Committee on "Continuing to innovate land policies and laws in the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country""; the Conclusion of the 5th Central Committee Conference on "Some issues on wages and orientation for wage reform until 2020"; the Conclusion of the 5th Central Committee Conference on "Continuing to implement Resolution No. 3 of the 10th Central Committee on "Strengthening the Party's leadership over the work of preventing and combating corruption and waste"; and the Resolution on "Some issues on social policy in the period 2012 - 2020".

Below are some of the key points discussed and approved by the Central Committee meeting.

I. Summary of the implementation of the 1992 Constitution (amended and supplemented in 2001) and some basic contents that need to be amended and supplemented in the 1992 Constitution.

1. Regarding the review of the implementation of the 1992 Constitution

The 1992 Constitution, the constitution of the early period of reform, is the fundamental law of the State, an important political and legal document reflecting the progressive democratic nature of our State and regime. The implementation of the 1992 Constitution over the past 20 years has achieved tremendous successes. However, after 25 years of reform, the socio-economic situation of our country has undergone profound and comprehensive changes, the process of international integration has become increasingly deep and broad, and democracy in all areas of social life has expanded, so many provisions of the Constitution have been overtaken by reality and are no longer appropriate.

2. Basic contents of the amendments to the 1992 Constitution

The amendment of the 1992 Constitution must be based on the results of a review of 20 years of its implementation and inherit the still relevant provisions of the 1946, 1959, 1980, and 1992 Constitutions. It must also fully grasp the purpose, requirements, viewpoints, and orientations stated in Resolution No. 2 of the 11th Central Committee and the National Assembly's Resolution on amending the 1992 Constitution. Only issues that are clear, proven correct by practice, have sufficient basis, and have achieved a high degree of fundamental consensus should be amended. The 5th Central Committee Conference approved the following amendments:

- Amend the 1992 Constitution to further institutionalize more fully and profoundly the principle of promoting socialist democracy and ensuring that all state power belongs to the people.

Based on the Platform for Building the Country during the Transition Period to Socialism (supplemented and developed in 2011, hereinafter referred to as the Platform), the amendment of the Constitution must fully reflect the direct and representative democratic rights of the people; ensuring that all state power belongs to the people.

- Amend the 1992 Constitution to further promote the strength of national unity and mobilize social forces to serve the cause of national development.

Affirming and clearly demonstrating the ideology of promoting the strength of national unity, considering national unity as the driving force for national development; mobilizing social forces at home and abroad, consolidating and promoting the strength of national unity. The Fatherland Front, the Trade Union, and other people's organizations play a very important role in national unity, building and defending the Fatherland; representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the people, and caring for the interests of their members.

- Amend the 1992 Constitution to further affirm and clarify the leading position and role of the Party in the State and society.

The discussions were largely in agreement and supported the continuation of Article 4 of the 1992 Constitution regarding the Party's leading position and role in the State and society, while also adding some content on the Party's nature, role, and responsibilities to align with the spirit of the Party Platform. Besides reaffirming the Party's leading position and role in the State and society, the Constitution needs to more profoundly and comprehensively reflect the Party's nature to highlight its immense historical role and mission throughout the revolutionary periods, which led the people to entrust the Party with leadership. Simultaneously, the Constitution should stipulate the Party's responsibility to maintain close ties with the people and be subject to their supervision.

- Amend the 1992 Constitution to further promote the human factor, more profoundly express the viewpoint of protecting and respecting human rights, and ensure better implementation of the basic rights and obligations of citizens.

The State respects and guarantees human rights, the fundamental rights and obligations of citizens; and cares for the happiness and free development of each individual. It clearly defines the State's responsibility in respecting and ensuring the implementation of human rights, the fundamental rights and obligations of citizens; these human rights, fundamental rights and obligations of citizens must be stipulated in the Constitution and laws. Citizens' rights are inseparable from their obligations.

- Amend the 1992 Constitution to continue building and perfecting the socialist-oriented market economy, developing culture, education, science, and technology, ensuring social justice, and protecting the environment.

Affirming the policy of developing a socialist-oriented market economy with diverse forms of ownership, economic sectors, business organization forms, and distribution forms. All economic sectors operating in accordance with the law are important components of the economy, equal before the law, developing together in the long term, cooperating and competing healthily. In this, the state economy plays a leading role; the collective economy is continuously strengthened and developed; the state economy, together with the collective economy, is increasingly becoming a solid foundation of the national economy. Continuing to inherit the provisions on land ownership affirmed in the 1980 Constitution and the 1992 Constitution. At the same time, it is necessary to clarify some fundamental issues such as: the State being the representative owner; regulating the rights of land owners (possession, use, disposal); Clearly define the rights of landowners and land users… Institutionalize the Platform on cultural, social, educational, scientific, technological, and environmental issues in the Constitution to suit the new situation.

- Amend the 1992 Constitution to continue building and perfecting the socialist rule of law state of Vietnam, of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Continuing to affirm the nature and overall model of the political system and state apparatus as defined in the 1992 Platform and Constitution.

Continue to study theory and summarize practical experiences to develop appropriate solutions that align with the provisions of the Constitution regarding territorial administrative units, administrative levels, and local government organization; and to regulate fundamental issues concerning decentralization and delegation of power between the central and local governments.

Continue to improve and enhance the current mechanism for protecting the Constitution by reviewing the tasks and powers of state agencies in this field, especially strengthening the role and responsibility of the National Assembly's Ethnic Council and Committees in assisting the National Assembly in fulfilling its task of protecting the Constitution. At the same time, continue to research options for a specific model of a constitutional protection agency suitable to our country's conditions.

- Amend the Constitution to actively and proactively integrate into the international community.

This will more clearly define the authority of the entities involved in signing and ratifying international treaties; more clearly define the role and responsibility of the State in protecting national interests and the legitimate rights and interests of citizens in international relations; and create a constitutional basis for our State to promote international cooperation, exercise national rights and obligations, and contribute to maintaining regional and world peace.

- Amend the Constitution to ensure its effectiveness, stability, and longevity.

The process of amending the Constitution continues to be implemented in accordance with the spirit of Resolution No. 2 of the 11th Central Committee and the provisions of Article 147 of the current Constitution, conducted in a rigorous and scientific manner; with mechanisms to ensure the participation of experts, scientists, managers, and organizations, and to widely solicit public opinion so that the National Assembly has a full basis for consideration and decision.

II. Summary of the implementation of Central Resolution 7 (9th Congress) on "Continuing to reform land policies and laws during the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country"

1. Status of implementation of the Resolution

The guiding principles and policy directions of the Resolution have been institutionalized and, through practical implementation, have proven to be fundamentally correct and appropriate to the characteristics and socio-economic development situation of the country. The Resolution has had a positive impact, creating a transformation in the land sector, strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of state management of land, exploiting land potential to serve socio-economic development goals, ensuring national defense and security, social stability, national food security, ecological balance, and environmental protection; and contributing an important source of revenue to the state budget.

Despite the achievements, several limitations and weaknesses remain, such as: State management of land is still limited and inadequate. Land use planning is of low quality, not synchronized with specialized plans, and lacks inter-regional and inter-provincial connectivity, as well as weak planning management. Some provisions of land law still do not meet the requirements for land management and use. The mechanism for exercising the State's rights of disposition as the representative owner of land has not been clarified, and the interests of the State, investors, and land users have not been harmoniously resolved. The rights and obligations of land users are not sufficiently clear and still face many obstacles. Discipline and order in land management and use are not strictly enforced. The handling of land-related complaints, denunciations, and disputes has not met the requirements, leading to many cases being resolved through multiple levels, prolonged, and becoming complicated. Land resources have not been fully utilized to become a crucial internal force serving the socio-economic development of the country. The organizational structure and capacity of land management officials do not meet the requirements for task implementation, especially at the grassroots level...

2. Guiding principles and directions for continuing the reform of land policies and laws.

Guiding principles

Land is an extremely valuable national resource, a special means of production; it is an asset and a tremendous resource of the country; the right to use land is a special commodity. In the coming period, we will continue to inherit the guiding principles on land policy and law outlined in Resolution No. 7 of the 9th Central Committee, while supplementing and developing them to meet the new requirements set forth in the Resolution of the 11th National Congress of the Party.

Orientation towards continued innovation and improvement of land policies and laws.

- We continue to affirm that land belongs to the entire people, with the State acting as the representative owner and managing it uniformly.

- The allocation of agricultural land to households and individuals for use is carried out in accordance with the 1993 Land Law and Government Decree No. 64/CP dated September 27, 1993, without raising the issue of readjusting agricultural land already allocated to households and individuals.

- Continue to regulate the time limit for allocating agricultural land to households and individuals, and expand it beyond the current regulations.

- Regulations should be in place regarding limits on the transfer of agricultural land use rights, but these limits need to be raised, taking into account the characteristics of each region, adapting to each stage, and leaving the specific regulations to the Government.

- Continue to innovate land finance policies. The State should proactively regulate land prices in the market through supply and demand; review laws on land and real estate taxes, and tax incentives to ensure fairness, nurture revenue sources, encourage economical and efficient land use, and overcome the situation of slow utilization or abandonment of allocated or leased land; and regulate the added value from land that is not created by the user.

- The State proactively reclaims land according to planning to create a "clean" land fund, invests in infrastructure projects, public works, and organizes auctions for land use rights.

- It is necessary to strictly adhere to the laws on complaints, denunciations, administrative litigation, and civil litigation. Competent authorities must uphold their responsibilities and focus on resolving land disputes, complaints, and denunciations promptly and definitively in accordance with the law; strengthen the land inspection system and courts at all levels to effectively perform their duties. Promote administrative procedure reform and improve the capacity of state management of land.

- Important issues that remain unclear and have sparked differing opinions during discussions, such as: the term of agricultural land allocation to households and individuals; the limit on receiving agricultural land use rights; the rights of land users; land prices; land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement support; and the issue of creating resources from land... will be further studied and considered at the 6th Central Committee Conference to issue a new Resolution guiding the amendment of the 2003 Land Law.

III. Review of the 5-year implementation of Central Resolution 3 (10th Party Congress) on “Strengthening the Party's leadership over the work of preventing and combating corruption and waste” and “Improving the organization and enhancing the quality of operation of the Central Steering Committee on preventing and combating corruption”

1. Assessing the implementation of the Resolution

The results achieved

- After 5 years of implementation, with the efforts of the entire political system and society, and the attention and guidance of the Party and State, positive changes have been made in both awareness and action in the fight against corruption and waste.

- Initial results have been achieved in the fight against corruption and waste. In some areas, corruption and waste have been gradually brought under control.

- The results achieved are significant for continuing to implement the work of preventing and combating corruption and waste more effectively. These results also affirm that the policies and solutions of the Party and State, as stipulated in Central Resolution 3, the Law on Prevention and Combating Corruption, and the Law on Practicing Thrift and Combating Waste, are fundamentally correct and appropriate.

Limitations and shortcomings

- The work of preventing and combating corruption and waste in general, and the implementation of Central Resolution 3 in particular, in recent years has not yet met the requirements and objectives set out, which are to prevent and gradually push back corruption and waste.

- Corruption and waste remain serious problems in many areas and activities, causing public outrage and posing a major challenge to the Party's leadership and the State's management.

The aforementioned limitations and weaknesses have objective causes, but the main causes are the following subjective factors:

Firstly, many Party committees, government agencies, and heads of organizations and units have not fully exercised their leadership and guidance roles in the fight against corruption and waste. The role of many Party branches and grassroots Party organizations in the fight against corruption and waste remains weak. The implementation of the principles of democratic centralism, self-criticism, and criticism has not been serious in many places. A significant number of cadres and Party members have deteriorated in terms of political ideology, morality, and lifestyle, lacking self-cultivation and training, experiencing a decline in fighting spirit, forgetting their responsibilities and duties to the Party and the people; discipline and order are not strictly enforced. Some leading and managing cadres at all levels and in all sectors, including the central level, have not set a good example in terms of morality and lifestyle and have not resolutely fought against corruption and waste.

Secondly, the mechanisms and policies for socio-economic management in many areas still have loopholes, inadequacies, and a lack of transparency and consistency; the "request-and-grant" situation, especially in resource allocation, has not been overcome.

Thirdly, some regulations on corruption prevention and control are inappropriate, inconsistent, and not sufficiently stringent, thus limiting their effectiveness.

Fourth, the organization and operation of specialized agencies and units responsible for combating corruption are not strong enough and are in some aspects not yet rational.

2. Objectives, guiding principles, tasks, and solutions

Objectives and guiding principles

Thoroughly understand and effectively implement the Resolution of the 11th National Congress of the Party and Resolution No. 4 of the Central Committee (11th term) "Some urgent issues concerning Party building today"; continue to comprehensively implement the goals, viewpoints, and solutions outlined in Resolution No. 3 of the Central Committee (10th term) on strengthening the Party's leadership over anti-corruption and anti-waste efforts with a resolute, persistent, continuous, and lawful spirit to create new changes in anti-corruption and anti-waste work.

Tasks and solutions for preventing and combating corruption and waste.

In the coming period, it is necessary to implement the tasks and solutions for preventing and combating corruption and waste in a coordinated manner, focusing on the following key tasks and solutions:

- Enhance the role and responsibility of Party committees, government agencies, and leaders at all levels in preventing and combating corruption and waste.

The leadership of the Party and the management of the State are decisive factors in the success of the fight against corruption and waste. Party committees, government agencies, and leaders at all levels must truly consider the fight against corruption and waste as a central task to focus their leadership and guidance on. The implementation of Central Resolution 3 (10th Party Congress) must be linked with the implementation of Central Resolution 4 (11th Party Congress).

Regular meetings of Party committees and organizations at all levels must include discussions on anti-corruption and anti-waste measures. Party secretaries and heads of government at all levels must set a good example and dedicate adequate time to leading and directing anti-corruption and anti-waste efforts. Provincial and city Party committees should select and appoint capable, strong-willed, and morally upright cadres to directly carry out this work; simultaneously, they should strengthen inspections and listen to reports from agencies responsible for anti-corruption and anti-waste to provide timely guidance. Where conditions permit, Party committee members should be appointed as Deputy Heads of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Steering Committee.

The Party's inspection agency closely coordinates with the State's anti-corruption agencies to inspect, supervise, detect, promptly handle, and publicly disclose the results of handling violations by organizations, officials, and Party members. It also inspects, reviews, and evaluates the roles and responsibilities of Party committees, governments, and leaders at all levels in the fight against corruption and waste.

- Continue to improve the institutional framework for socio-economic management to prevent and combat corruption and waste.

In the management and use of land, resources, and minerals, it is necessary to promptly amend and supplement the Land Law and related laws to enhance transparency in the management and use of land, resources, and minerals (planning, land acquisition, compensation, land allocation, land leasing, valuation, auctioning of land use rights, resource and mineral exploitation rights, etc.). Research should be conducted to develop a mechanism to separate the power to allocate land and grant licenses for resource and mineral exploitation from the power to value land and resources/minerals by local authorities, in order to prevent negative practices and corruption.

完善 regulations to strictly manage and control budget revenue and expenditure. Strictly control public spending, especially public procurement and investment; recurrent expenditures; norms and standards in production and consumption; and exploitation of natural resources.

In the management and use of state capital and assets in enterprises, the focus is on improving the institutional framework for managing state-owned enterprises and enterprises with state capital; effectively exercising the rights and responsibilities of the state as the owner of state capital and assets in enterprises; and strictly implementing auditing and ensuring transparency in financial matters. The privatization of state-owned enterprises will continue to be promoted.

In the credit and banking sector, regulations should be improved to strictly control credit activities prone to negative practices and corruption, such as lending, guarantees, financial leasing, financial investment, entrusted lending, and entrusted investment. Regulations should be promptly developed to implement Decision No. 2453/QD-TTG dated December 27, 2011, of the Prime Minister on promoting cashless payments to control and prevent corruption.

In the relationship between state agencies and citizens and businesses, it is necessary to focus on strongly implementing administrative procedure reforms to create simplicity, openness, and transparency in transactions and communication in areas prone to negativity and corruption. Effectively implement Decision No. 263/QD-TTG dated March 5, 2012, of the Prime Minister on the plan for reviewing key administrative procedures in 2012 in the fields of investment, land, and construction.

- Continue to improve mechanisms and policies on organizational and personnel work to serve the prevention and fight against corruption and waste.

Implement democracy, openness, and transparency in personnel work, especially in recruitment, planning, appointment, transfer, rotation, evaluation, commendation, and disciplinary actions. Specific regulations are needed to allow for the transfer and replacement of leading and managerial officials who are subject to public criticism, exhibit signs of corruption, have declining prestige, or fail to meet job requirements (including through unscheduled confidence votes). Specific regulations should be implemented nationwide to prevent the appointment of local people to certain positions at the provincial and district levels. Strictly enforce regulations on the transparency of assets and income of officials and public employees. Research and issue regulations on controlling the income of those holding positions of power and authority. Amend the Law on Anti-Corruption and other related documents to publicly disclose asset declarations at the workplace and place of residence as required by Resolution 4 of the 11th Central Committee. Gradually expand the scope of asset declaration and public disclosure of asset declaration results for officials, Party members, and civil servants; regulate the accountability for the origin of increased assets as required by Central Resolution 3. Research and regulate the proactive inspection and verification of asset declaration results by agencies managing officials and civil servants under their management to ensure the honesty of the declarations. Ministries and sectors should urgently and seriously develop codes of conduct for officials and civil servants regarding weddings, funerals, housewarming parties, birthday celebrations, and the awarding of degrees, academic titles, honorary titles, and commendations.

Gradually implement a salary system that ensures civil servants and public employees have a primary source of income from their salaries, allowing them to live on their salaries and maintain a decent standard of living in society. Research and clarify the functions, tasks, powers, and operating mechanisms of agencies and units responsible for anti-corruption, ensuring there is no overlap or gaps, and fostering close coordination in the implementation of anti-corruption tasks. Continue to strengthen the Central Steering Committee and provincial-level Anti-Corruption Steering Committees in accordance with the spirit of the Resolution of the 10th National Congress, Resolution No. 3 of the 10th Central Committee, and Resolution No. 4 of the 11th Central Committee.

- Continue to improve institutions and strengthen inspection, auditing, investigation, prosecution, and adjudication to enhance the effectiveness of preventing and combating corruption and waste.

Urgently finalize regulations on forensic examination, especially financial examination and quality assessment of construction investment projects, to promptly and effectively serve the handling of corruption. Research and implement necessary measures to limit the ability of suspected corrupt individuals to evade inspection and investigation, thus hindering the work of relevant agencies. Amend criminal law to increase monetary penalties and exempt or reduce penalties for those who have committed acts of corruption but have proactively confessed and rectified the consequences. Establish regulations to minimize the granting of bail to suspects during investigations into corruption and the application of suspended prison sentences to those convicted of corruption.

Besides actively and proactively preventing corruption, it is necessary to further strengthen the detection and strict handling of corrupt acts. The processing of serious and complex corruption cases that attract public attention should be expedited. For serious and complex corruption cases, Party committees should proactively request the Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption and relevant agencies to report on the cases so that appropriate action can be taken promptly and in accordance with the law.

Focus on inspection, auditing, and investigation in key areas such as: land management and use, mineral exploitation; investment and public procurement; budget revenue and expenditure; public asset management; commercial banking system; and personnel management.

Strengthen inspection and supervision of the investigation, prosecution, and trial of corruption cases. Enhance transparency and accountability in operations and ensure integrity among officials in inspection, auditing, investigation, prosecution, and trial agencies. Resolutely and promptly address acts of corruption within anti-corruption agencies and units, as well as those who cover up corruption or obstruct anti-corruption efforts.

Strengthen inspections and audits of compliance with laws on thrift and anti-waste for agencies and organizations using state budgets and assets, and enterprises using natural resources. Strictly punish organizations and individuals who violate the law and cause waste.

The Central Steering Committee needs to coordinate closely with the Party Building Committees at the central level to monitor, guide, direct, inspect, and urge the anti-corruption work of Party committees, provincial Party committees, and city Party committees directly under the Central Committee.

- Strengthening the supervisory role of elected bodies and the people in preventing and combating corruption and waste.

The National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels need to strengthen regular supervision of anti-corruption and waste prevention activities, first and foremost by supervising the activities of agencies responsible for combating corruption and waste. This will require competent agencies, organizations, and individuals to implement effective anti-corruption and waste prevention measures. Measures should be taken to ensure the effectiveness of the National Assembly and People's Councils' supervision. The role of the Fatherland Front, political and social organizations, professional associations, the community, and the people should be promoted in detecting and combating corruption and waste. Regulations on people's supervision of Party organizations and Party members should be promulgated. Measures should be taken to protect and promptly commend and reward cadres, Party members, and citizens who bravely report and expose acts of corruption and waste, as well as collectives and individuals with achievements in the fight against corruption and waste. Continue to strengthen propaganda and education efforts and implement appropriate communication policies regarding corruption, waste, and anti-corruption work; promote the role and responsibility of the press in combating corruption and waste.

It is urgent to concretize the monitoring mechanism of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organizations regarding the work of preventing and combating corruption and waste.

3. Regarding “Strengthening the organization and improving the quality of operation of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption”

The Central Executive Committee unanimously agreed and decided on the plan to consolidate the Central and local Steering Committees for Anti-Corruption:

At the central level: The Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption is directly under the Politburo, comprising several Politburo members, with the General Secretary serving as the Chairman. The Politburo will consider and select other members of the Steering Committee as appropriate, clearly defining the functions, tasks, and powers of the Steering Committee and its permanent agency (the Central Internal Affairs Commission) on anti-corruption.

At the local level: There will be no provincial or city-level Steering Committees on anti-corruption. Provincial and city Party Committees will directly lead the work of preventing and combating corruption and waste, and will be responsible for coordinating with the Central Steering Committee when serious corruption cases occur in the locality. Internal Affairs Committees will be re-established in provincial and city Party Committees to advise the Party Committees on internal affairs and the prevention and combating of corruption and waste. The Politburo will consider and decide on specifics according to the Central Committee's guidelines.

IV. Some issues concerning social policy in the period 2012 – 2020

For decades, the Party and State of Vietnam have consistently focused on developing and implementing social policies. This serves as both a goal and a driving force for sustainable development and socio-political stability, reflecting the positive nature of our system. However, to date, the social sector still faces many limitations and weaknesses; achievements in some areas remain low and unsustainable. Resources for implementing social policies are limited, relying primarily on the state budget, and have not yet attracted significant social participation.

The Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress affirmed: "Correct and equitable social policies for the people are a powerful driving force for unleashing all the creative capacities of the people in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland." It also set forth the direction for comprehensive development in all social fields. In accordance with the Party's Resolution, building upon the achievements and efforts of the entire political system; perfecting the institutional system; mobilizing and balancing resources appropriately; and implementing social policies synchronously and effectively to continuously improve the welfare and material and spiritual lives of the people, striving to achieve the social development goals and targets set forth in the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress. Social policies will be concretized and implemented through specialized resolutions, annual socio-economic development resolutions, and national target programs.

Regarding the orientation of social policies for the period 2012-2020:

1. Regarding guiding principles

Firstly, continuously improving and enhancing the material and spiritual lives of those who have rendered meritorious services and ensuring social security is a regular and important task of all levels and sectors, of the entire political system, and is the responsibility of the whole society.

Secondly, policies on preferential treatment for war veterans and social welfare must be consistent with the level of socio-economic development and the country's ability to balance and mobilize resources in each period; prioritizing war veterans, people with particularly difficult circumstances, the poor, and ethnic minorities.

Thirdly, the social security system must be diverse and comprehensive; it must ensure fairness and sustainability with shared responsibility among population groups within a generation and between generations, and between the State, businesses, and workers.

Fourth, the State plays a leading role in organizing and implementing policies to support war veterans and ensure social security; promoting socialization and encouraging organizations, businesses, and individuals to participate. At the same time, it creates conditions for people to improve their ability to ensure their own social security.

Fifth, strengthen international integration to gain more resources and experience in developing and implementing social security policies.

2. Regarding the overall objectives

Continue to improve and enhance the material and spiritual lives of war veterans and their families, striving to basically achieve the goal of ensuring that by 2015, families of war veterans have a minimum standard of living equal to or higher than the average standard of living of the population in the area. By 2020, basically ensure social security coverage for all citizens, guaranteeing minimum levels of income, education, health care, housing, clean water, and information.

3. Regarding tasks and solutions

- Regarding policies to provide preferential treatment to people who have rendered meritorious services

Effectively care for the material and spiritual well-being of those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution. Focus on implementing the Ordinance on Preferential Treatment for People Who Have Rendered Meritorious Service to the Revolution. Continue to improve policies, expand the scope of beneficiaries, and fundamentally resolve outstanding cases. Increase the standard level of allowances and subsidies for those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution in line with the minimum wage adjustment roadmap. By the end of 2013, fundamentally resolve housing issues for 72,000 households of people who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution living in dilapidated houses requiring repair. Implement more appropriate preferential policies and support for those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution, their families, and relatives regarding production development, employment, and ensuring access to basic social services, especially healthcare, education, and training; pay attention to cemetery maintenance and the search for and collection of the remains of martyrs. Strengthen activities of gratitude and appreciation, and enhance the role and responsibility of society.

- Regarding social security

Regarding employment, ensuring minimum income, and poverty reduction: Continue to improve and effectively implement preferential credit policies for production development and job creation, vocational training support policies, and support for workers going to work abroad, prioritizing the poor and ethnic minorities in poor districts, communes, and particularly disadvantaged villages. Support workers from poor households to develop production, increase income, and achieve sustainable poverty alleviation.

Regarding social insurance: Amend the Social Insurance Law, expanding the scope of unemployment insurance coverage to include businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Improve policies, organizational management, and social insurance payment systems. Research and develop policies to encourage farmers and informal sector workers to participate in voluntary social insurance.

Regarding social assistance for people in extremely difficult circumstances: Improve the effectiveness of social assistance work, continue to expand the scope of beneficiaries, and gradually increase the level of regular social assistance in accordance with the state budget's capacity.

Establishing a minimum living standard appropriate to socio-economic conditions as a basis for determining eligibility for social assistance. Continuing to improve social assistance policies, expanding the scope of beneficiaries, raising the standard of assistance, and researching the development of a common assistance package for eligible households and individuals. Continuing to develop models for caring for people in special circumstances within the community, expanding the participation of the private sector in implementing models for caring for the elderly, orphans, and people with disabilities, especially nursing homes. Improving the effectiveness of emergency assistance, ensuring that people facing risks, natural disasters, floods, death, or property loss receive timely support. Improving mechanisms, policies, and implementation methods to enhance the effectiveness of emergency assistance; expanding community participation in support.

Ensuring a minimum level of access to certain basic social services for the people, especially the poor, ethnic minorities, and those in difficult circumstances.

4. General solutions

- Strengthen the leadership of Party committees and government at all levels, leverage the strength of the entire political system, and create social consensus in implementing programs and policies for people with meritorious services and ensuring social security. Enhance the awareness and responsibility of cadres and Party members in directing and implementing these policies.

- Strengthen the dissemination of laws and regulations, raise awareness among all levels, sectors, organizations, and the people; continue to uphold the tradition of remembering those who have contributed to the nation; promote movements of gratitude and mutual support; and care for and assist those who have rendered meritorious service and the poor.

- Innovate state management of preferential policies for war veterans and social security. Continue to improve the legal system and policy mechanisms based on a comprehensive review of current policies, adjusting inadequate policies and supplementing new ones, aiming to build a policy system that both effectively supports and encourages the efforts of beneficiaries to improve themselves, overcoming dependence on the State. Unify the management of programs and policies, with the Government and central ministries and agencies only managing objectives, guiding implementation, inspecting, checking, and supervising implementation; localities are responsible for managing resources and organizing implementation. Enhance the policy implementation capacity at the grassroots level. Modernize management and payment methods; build a household database, individual identification numbers, and a set of social security indicators to manage, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of social security policies in each period, and build a national report on social security.

- Strengthen cooperation and leverage international resources and experience in developing and implementing social security policies.

V. Regarding “Some issues concerning wages and orientations for wage reform until 2020”

1. Regarding the assessment of the situation and orientation towards 2020

Regarding the assessment of the situation

Since 2003, policies on wages, social insurance, and preferential allowances for meritorious individuals have been gradually improved, contributing to the improvement of the lives of pensioners, retirees, and meritorious individuals.

However, the policies on salaries, social insurance, and preferential allowances for meritorious individuals still reveal many limitations, such as: persistently low salaries affecting the lives of salaried employees, retirees, meritorious individuals, and the quality and efficiency of public service. Salaries in some state-owned enterprises are high, creating an unreasonable disparity between the salaries of management officials and employees in these enterprises and civil servants. Solutions for generating funds for salary and social allowance reforms, especially in the public sector, have not met expectations.

Regarding the direction of salary policy reform until 2020

Salary policy reform requires political will in the promulgation and implementation of policies, especially in the public sector; restructuring of the state budget; strict control and efforts to reduce the number of people receiving salaries and allowances from the state budget; paying salaries according to job positions, improving the quality and efficiency of public service; and strict management of staffing levels in conjunction with administrative reform and organizational restructuring.

- Regarding the minimum wage: Adjust the minimum wage according to a roadmap linked to the reform of professional activities, in line with the economic capacity, to ensure the minimum needs of wage earners are met. For the business sector, adjust the minimum wage more quickly to reach the minimum needs by 2015. The Labor Code stipulates the minimum wage to be paid to workers performing the simplest jobs (without training) under normal working conditions and serves as the basis for calculating wages for other types of labor (trained labor).

- Regarding the minimum-average-maximum wage relationship: Research should be conducted to expand the minimum-average-maximum wage relationship to align with market dynamics; based on this, the wage scale system should be redesigned and allowance schemes further improved to ensure suitability.

- Regarding salary scales and grades: A common salary scale will be applied, with industry-specific factors addressed through allowances; at the same time, research will be conducted to widen the gap between salary grades to ensure appropriateness.

- Regarding allowances: Review the allowance and subsidy schemes across different sectors and professions to ensure fairness and reasonableness; research and review the consolidation of allowance schemes (preferential, professional responsibility, public service) into a single type of allowance with different levels as appropriate.

- Regarding salary and income management mechanisms: Continue implementing staffing and administrative budget allocation. Innovate the operational, financial, and salary mechanisms for the public service sector in accordance with the conclusions of the 6th Plenum of the 10th Central Committee; implement a mechanism of ordering and assigning tasks; grant autonomy and accountability to units; and establish an appropriate roadmap to gradually and accurately calculate costs in service prices that are affordable for the people.

- Regarding salaries for enterprise management officials: The regulations stipulate a basic salary framework with a maximum salary cap for state-owned enterprise management officials, linked to business results and capital utilization efficiency.

- Regarding salaries and allowances for grassroots officials and civil servants: Implement a fixed quota for the number of positions, salary fund, and allowance fund for commune-level officials and civil servants, as well as part-time grassroots workers, encouraging dual roles. Consider adjusting the regulations to suit part-time workers. Simultaneously, summarize the Central Committee Resolution No. 5 (9th Congress); based on that, research and develop a comprehensive policy for grassroots officials and civil servants.

2. Regarding solutions for resource generation

- Restructure the state budget to create resources for implementing the salary policy, ensuring that the state budget basically meets the funding needs of the administrative sector and the armed forces, in line with the capacity of the economy; while simultaneously implementing maximum savings to contribute to creating resources for implementing the salary policy.

- For the public sector, reform operational and financial mechanisms, promote socialization according to a roadmap, ensuring it is consistent with the people's ability to contribute, in line with the spirit of Central Resolution 6 (10th Congress) and Announcement No. 37-TB/TW dated May 26, 2011, on the Politburo's Conclusion on the Project "Reforming the operational mechanisms of public service units and promoting the socialization of some types of public service."

3. Regarding certain activities carried out in 2012 and 2013

- Implement policies on wages, social insurance, and preferential allowances for meritorious individuals in 2012 and 2013 to suit the socio-economic situation of the country. This includes focusing on addressing inconsistencies in the current wage policy, such as: the lack of additional allowances based on industry and occupation; revising allowances for part-time officials at the grassroots level; revising the autonomy and accountability system for administrative agencies and public service units; and the wage management mechanism for state-owned enterprises.

- Continue researching and developing a plan on salary policies, social insurance, and preferential allowances for meritorious individuals up to 2020 to submit to the 7th Central Committee Meeting, 11th term.
TG

According to Tuyengiao.vn