Circular 158: Regulations on organizing funeral services for retired military officials in Vietnam

Circular 158: Regulations on organizing funeral services for retired military officials in Vietnam (Illustrative image)

In Article 8 of Circular 158/2011/TT-BQP, the regulations on organizing funeral services for retired military officials in Vietnam are specified as follows:

- The organization of funeral services for retired military officials shall be carried out according to the provisions of Decree No. 62/2001/ND-CP dated September 12, 2001, issued by the Government of Vietnam on the regulations for organizing funeral services for state officials and public employees, and Joint Circular No. 114/2005/TTLT-BQP-BNV dated August 01, 2005, of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding the organization of funeral services for military personnel, defense workers and public employees who sacrifice or pass away (hereinafter referred to as Joint Circular No. 114/2005/TTLT-BQP-BNV).

- The funding for state-level and high-level funeral services shall follow the provisions of Circular No. 40/2002/TT-BTC dated May 02, 2002, of the Ministry of Finance, guiding the expenses, allocation, and finalization of the budget for national funeral services, state-level funeral services, high-level funeral services. The unit affiliated to the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam can spend up to VND 30,000,000 (thirty million dong) for organizing a high-level funeral service based on reasonable expenses and norms for finalization according to regulations.

The procedures and funding for building graves for those eligible for state-level and high-level funeral services shall follow the guidance of the Central Organization Committee.

- Funding for a funeral service of retired military personnel holding the rank of Colonel and below who pass away.

In addition to the funeral allowance as per social insurance laws, the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam annually allocates a budget to support the organization of funeral services for retired military officials who are not eligible for state-level, high-level funeral services. To be specific:

+ The support amount for the unit presiding over the organization of the funeral service according to the hierarchy and regulations in points 1.2 and 1.3, clause 1, Section E, Part III of Joint Circular No. 114/2005/TTLT-BQP-BNV for each case is as follows:

- The unit affiliated to the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam: VND 7,000,000 (seven million dong);

- Division, Provincial Military Commands, and equivalent levels: VND 5,000,000 (five million dong);

- Regiment, District Military Commands, and equivalent levels: VND 3,000,000 (three million dong);

+ The support amount for the local military agency assigned to participate in the funeral organizing committee

In case a retired official passes away and the funeral service is organized at home or at the hospital where the official resided with the CPV committee presiding over the organization, the local military agency assigned to participate in the funeral organization committee and represent the military to pay respects as per hierarchy (stipulated in point 1.1 clause 1, Section E, Part III of Joint Circular No. 114/2005/TTLT-BQP-BNV) shall be provided an amount of VND 400,000 (four hundred thousand dong) for purchase of wreaths.

+ The agencies and units presiding over the funeral organization or assigned to participate in the funeral organizing committee can finalize the actual expenses based on the funeral support regulations above.

More details can be found in Circular 158/2011/TT-BQP effective from September 29, 2011.

Thuy Tram

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