Nghe An province allocates over 4.8 billion VND to support those who look after historical sites.

PV: Nghe An has a very rich and diverse heritage system, associated with famous scenic spots and spiritual relics. Most of these relics have caretakers and protectors. Could you tell us about the role of this force in preserving and promoting the value of relics in the province?

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Phuong:Protecting and promoting the value of historical relics is the responsibility of local Party committees, authorities, and the entire community, with the role of those directly responsible for overseeing and protecting the relics being particularly important. These are the people who daily perform tasks such as guarding, sweeping, cleaning ceremonial objects, lighting incense on weekly and holiday occasions, etc., contributing to maintaining the solemnity of the relics.

Furthermore, because they are involved with the historical site on a daily basis, the caretakers are aware of the site's deterioration and report it to the authorities and relevant agencies so that timely action can be taken.

Nghe An currently has 2,602 historical sites, of which 485 have been classified, including: 6 special national-level historical sites, 145 national-level historical sites, and 334 provincial-level historical sites.

In reality, at historical sites that are well-maintained and cleaned, theft of artifacts and damage to the sites are limited, and the landscapes are clean and beautiful. In contrast, some sites lacking proper care and protection are neglected and dilapidated.

In addition, at many historical sites, the caretakers and guardians are very knowledgeable about the history, culture, customs, and festivals associated with the site, and are willing to act as guides for visitors.

PV: At the 11th session held at the end of 2022, the Nghe An Provincial People's Council, 18th term, 2021-2026, passed Resolution No. 28/2022/NQ-HĐND stipulating a number of policies for preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage in Nghe An province for the period 2023-2027, which includes support for caretakers at classified historical sites. So, before this Resolution of the Provincial People's Council, how was support provided to caretakers of historical sites in the province?grandma?

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Phuong:Before there wasResolution No. 28/2022/NQ-HĐNDSince 2016, those responsible for guarding historical sites have received financial support according to Decision 5542/QD-UBND dated November 27, 2015, of the Provincial People's Committee on adjusting and decentralizing the payment of allowances for protecting historical sites in the province. Accordingly, the provincial budget allocation for supporting the allowance for protecting historical sites is 200,000 VND/month for national-level historical sites and 150,000 VND/month for provincial-level historical sites. This amount is considered too meager compared to the effort and responsibility of those guarding the historical sites.

In addition to the payments stipulated in Decision 5542/QD-UBND, support for the personnel guarding historical sites is self-financed by each commune, ward, or town, depending on their financial capacity. However, it is usually sourced from donations or local budgets. Therefore, apart from sites with revenue, only those receiving attention from the local government offer slightly higher allowances for their guards and protectors, but such sites are few in number.

Through our observations at several historical sites in the province, we found that despite the meager support, the caretakers have been very responsible and dedicated to their duties. For example, at Hoanh Son Temple – a Special National Monument in Khanh Son commune (Nam Dan district), two elderly gentlemen, despite their advanced age and frail health, regularly attend to the site, sweeping, tending to the incense, and spending time chatting with and introducing visitors to the architectural and spiritual cultural value of the temple.

At Lang Ram Temple in Chau Nhan commune (Hung Nguyen district), the caretaker team consists of five people, all over 70 years old. They are very united in their work, which includes guarding, sweeping, and caring for the trees in the temple grounds, guiding people who come to offer incense, and regularly making recommendations to the local authorities regarding the damage and deterioration of the temple.

However, the reality at many historical sites also shows that, due to low funding for those responsible for maintaining the sites, it is difficult to demand basic qualifications from them, such as good health, knowledge of the site, and expertise in preserving artifacts; and it is also difficult to hold them accountable if damage or loss occurs at the site.

PV: Could you please specify the regulations of Resolution No. 28/2022/NQ-HĐND regarding support for caretakers at classified historical sites?

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Phuong:According to Resolution No. 28/2022/NQ-HĐND, the applicable subjects are relics that have been classified by competent authorities (provincial level, national level, special national level); excluding the following relics: the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area in Kim Lien, the Phan Boi Chau Memorial Area, the General Secretary Le Hong Phong Memorial Area, and the Truong Bon Historical Relic Area.

Regarding support for caretakers at classified historical sites, the Resolution stipulates that financial support from the provincial budget will be provided to those directly responsible for caring for classified historical sites in Nghe An province, as assigned by the site management board/team or the head of the unit directly managing the sites: For special national-level classified sites, 1,000,000 VND/person/month (maximum of 3 people per site). For national-level classified sites, 700,000 VND/site/month. For provincial-level classified sites, 500,000 VND/site/month. For clusters of sites (with 2 or more sites), each site unit will receive the same benefits as the aforementioned sites.

Compared to many other provinces and cities nationwide, Nghe An is one of the first localities to issue a resolution of the Provincial People's Council regarding support for caretakers at classified historical sites. This shows the province's concern for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values.

- Ms. Tran Thi Kim Phuong - Head of the Relics Management Board of Nghe An Province

PV: It is known that during recent monitoring sessions by the Provincial People's Council, some localities reported that the assessment and approval of support funds for those responsible for maintaining historical sites, as stipulated in Resolution No. 28, has been slow. What are your thoughts on this issue?

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Phuong:Following the issuance of the Provincial People's Council Resolution, the Department of Culture and Sports advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue a document stipulating the procedures and processes for paying those responsible for maintaining historical sites, in accordance with the Provincial People's Council Resolution. This aims to ensure that the resolution is implemented effectively and accurately at the grassroots level, guaranteeing fairness in all localities.

The support level for monument caretakers, as stipulated in Resolution No. 28/2022/NQ-HĐND, represents a significant improvement compared to Decision 5542/QĐ-UBND, leading to a substantial increase in the province's budget allocation for this activity. This necessitates a careful and rigorous review of eligible recipients. Recently, under the direction of the Department of Culture and Sports, the Provincial Monument Management Board has requested localities to review and strengthen the caretaker and protection teams at monuments, subsequently submitting proposals for financial support to caretakers of classified monuments within their jurisdiction.

Based on reviews and compilations from localities, the entire province has 596 caretakers of classified historical sites eligible for support under Resolution No. 28/2022/NQ-HĐND, including 6 at special national-level historical sites, 197 at national-level historical sites, and 393 at provincial-level historical sites. The Department of Culture and Sports has submitted a proposal to the Provincial People's Committee requesting funding support for these individuals.

On December 1st, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 3961/QD-UBND regarding the allocation of financial support for caretakers of ranked historical sites in Nghe An province in 2023. Accordingly, the provincial budget for 2023 will allocate 4,876.5 million VND as supplementary funding to the budgets of districts, cities, and towns to implement the policy of supporting caretakers at ranked historical sites, in accordance with Resolution No. 28/2022/NQ-HĐND dated December 9, 2022, of the Provincial People's Council.

PV: In your opinion, in the coming period, along with accelerating the implementation of Resolution 28/2022/NQ-HĐND, what should we do to better protect and promote the values ​​of historical relics in the province?

Ms. Tran Thi Kim Phuong:In the coming period, it is hoped that the People's Committees of districts, cities, and towns will expedite the payment process to those who look after historical sites, contributing to timely encouragement for those currently working to protect and preserve the precious heritage of our ancestors.

At the same time, it is hoped that the resolution, once implemented, will have a significant impact on the spirit and responsibility of those who look after and protect the relics, thereby contributing to better protection and promotion of the values ​​of relics and scenic spots.



Besides support measures, in the coming time, the Department of Culture and Sports and local authorities also need to strengthen coordination in training and equipping heritage caretakers with knowledge on protecting and preserving heritage, as well as regularly disseminating information, educating, raising awareness, and mobilizing community participation in heritage conservation.

Interviewer: Thank you for this interview!