During the discussion on the supplementary assessment of the implementation results of the socio- economic development plan and the state budget for 2022; and the situation of implementing the socio-economic development plan and the state budget in the first months of 2023 on June 1st of the 5th session of the 15th National Assembly, delegate Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy gave her opinion on several issues related to the education sector; the discussion addressed several issues that the Ministry of Education and Training is implementing, which are of concern to voters and society.
Following the instructions of the presidium chairing the discussion session to clarify the opinion of National Assembly delegate Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son issued Document No. 2706 on June 2nd, responding to the request.
Representative Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy expressed her opinion on the morning of June 1st.
One of the opinions expressed by delegate Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy that has attracted particular public attention is: "According to the financial statement of Phuong Nam Education Investment and Development Joint Stock Company (hereinafter referred to as Phuong Nam Company), one of the subsidiaries of Vietnam Education Publishing House, in less than two years, this company has spent nearly 100 billion VND on market development and training (after selecting textbooks - PV). It is unclear whether the Ministry of Education and Training has inspected this matter yet?"
If we don't resolutely detect and address instances of lobbying and backroom deals in this area, we will regret it someday, just like the Viet A case or other criminal cases related to bidding for equipment within the education sector itself."
The Ministry of Education and Training's response stated that: Phuong Nam Company has 43% of its charter capital contributed by the Vietnam Education Publishing House; it is a joint-stock company, operating according to its charter and legal regulations; and it undergoes independent audits and tax inspections annually.
Regarding the management role of the Vietnam Education Publishing House in relation to Phuong Nam Company, the Ministry of Education and Training responded to Representative Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy in Official Letter No. 387/BGDĐT-TTr dated February 7, 2022. The revenue and profit figures have been audited and approved at the shareholders' meeting. All data is publicly available through the financial reports.
According to a report by the Vietnam Education Publishing House, the company's selling expenses include: employee salaries, warehouse and office rental costs, depreciation of fixed assets, market development costs, outsourced services, and other expenses.
Specifically, market development costs (related to speaker fees, costs of organizing textbook introductions and training, book donation costs, etc.) amounted to VND 29.7 billion in 2020 and VND 24.2 billion in 2021, accounting for 4.9% and 3.5% of revenue, respectively.
Between 2019 and 2022, the Government Inspectorate, the Central Inspection Committee, and the Inspection Committee of the Party Committee of the Central Agencies Bloc conducted inspections and audits of the Vietnam Education Publishing House.
Currently, the Investigation Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security is continuing to investigate the activities of the Vietnam Education Publishing House. The Ministry of Education and Training has been actively coordinating with ministries, sectors, and functional agencies to inspect, examine, and investigate the production and business activities of the Vietnam Education Publishing House in accordance with the law.
What is the Ministry of Education and Training's responsibility for the irregularities at the Vietnam Education Publishing House?
The Ministry of Education and Training also responded to the opinion of delegate Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy regarding "the violations at the Vietnam Education Publishing House (a business under the ministry - PV) that must be handled criminally, with the managing agency (i.e., the Ministry of Education and Training - PV) bearing some responsibility."
The Ministry of Education and Training's response stated: "For over 60 years, the Vietnam Education Publishing House has been tasked with organizing the compilation, editing, printing, and distribution of textbooks and educational publications, serving teaching and learning in all fields and levels of education nationwide. The Vietnam Education Publishing House has made many contributions to the education sector; however, during the implementation process, there have been violations by some units and individuals."
In 2021 and 2022, the Government Inspectorate, the Central Inspection Committee, and the Party Committee of the Central Agencies Bloc coordinated with the Ministry of Education and Training to inspect the Vietnam Education Publishing House when there were signs of violations, and concluded on the violations committed by the Vietnam Education Publishing House in the preceding period.
According to the Ministry of Education and Training: "Several units and individuals of the Vietnam Education Publishing House have been disciplined. Currently, the Police Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security is continuing to investigate and handle the case according to the law."
The Vietnam Education Publishing House is currently focusing on printing and distributing textbooks to ensure sufficient textbooks for students before the start of the new school year. The Ministry of Education and Training has directed the Vietnam Education Publishing House to both coordinate effectively with relevant agencies to clarify all issues according to regulations, and to overcome difficulties and implement all measures to organize the printing and distribution of textbooks, ensuring sufficient textbooks for students before the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
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