Strengthening the management of donation funds
On August 8, the Government Office announced that Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has just signed a dispatch requiring ministries, branches, and localities to strengthen the management of state affairs regarding donation funds and sponsorship at historical and cultural relics nationwide.
According to the dispatch, in addition to the achieved results, the management of state affairs regarding donation funds and sponsorship still has some limitations. The reported data on the collection and expenditure of donation funds and sponsorship of relics, including national special relic sites, only reflects a part and is not comprehensive.
Some historical and cultural relic sites have not reported on time and in a comprehensive manner on the management of donation funds and sponsorship; have not installed cameras to monitor at reception and counting points for donation funds and sponsorship.
In addition, the phenomenon of tourists placing many types of money on altars at historical and cultural relics still exists, causing the sacred and pure atmosphere of the places of worship to be lost. The management of donation funds and sponsorship is sometimes not strict, and there is a risk of loss, theft, etc.
In light of the above situation, the Prime Minister requested the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and cities directly under the central government to study the report and proposal of the Ministry of Finance on the results of the overall inspection of the management of donation funds and sponsorship at historical and cultural relics nationwide in 2023.
The Chairmen of the localities shall, in accordance with their functions, tasks, and authority, proactively implement appropriate, timely, and effective tasks and solutions to strengthen the management of donation funds and sponsorship at historical and cultural relics.
Review local documents and regulations related to the management of financial collection and expenditure for the organization of festivals and donation funds and sponsorship for relics and festival activities to issue new decisions or amend and supplement them in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.
Direct relevant organizations and individuals to publicly and transparently collect and spend donation funds and sponsorship for relics and festival activities and provide timely information when requested by competent authorities in accordance with the law.
Develop a plan for regular inspections and strengthen inspections and supervision to ensure that donation funds and sponsorship for relics and festival activities are used strictly, publicly, transparently, effectively, and in accordance with the purpose and regulations.
Adding the responsibility of localities in managing donation funds
Timely discover, correct, and strictly handle organizations and individuals violating the law, absolutely not to allow waste, negativity, corruption, and the exploitation of religious activities to serve personal interests.
Must contribute to preserving and promoting the good cultural traditions of the nation and making a positive contribution to the conservation, repair, and restoration of relics, organization of festivals, and the promotion of the value of Vietnam's cultural heritage.
The Ministers of the Ministries of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and Finance shall have the responsibility to guide the People's Committees of localities, relevant agencies, and units in the management of donation funds and sponsorship at historical and cultural relics in accordance with the regulations.
The Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism shall chair and coordinate with the Minister of Finance, relevant ministries, branches, and localities to study and propose to the competent authority in the fourth quarter of 2024 to supplement the regulations on the responsibility of local governments at all levels in managing donation funds and sponsorship at historical and cultural relics and the penalties for violations.
