Centrally-run cities and provinces are allowed to celebrate Tet 2018 (lunar New Year) with fireworks as long as the State budget must not be used for such shows, according to a directive on the organisation of Tet 2018 promulgated by the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The directive was signed on December 22 by Tran Quoc Vuong, Politburo member, permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat, and Head of the Central Inspection Committee.

Under the directive, Party committees, authorities and Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels are asked to ensure the social welfare for local residents, particularly the poor; people in remote areas, border areas, sea and islands regions; people living with difficulties; and those who suffered losses from natural disasters.

Actions must be taken to care for wounded soldiers, revolutionary veterans, families of war martyrs and national contributors, as well as Vietnamese Heroic mothers, religious dignitaries, and armed forces.

The fiat also requires that government agencies and officials be cautious and not waste public funds during the Tet festivities.

Party and State leaders and heads of agencies and organisations at the central level have been restricted from paying New Year visits to localities while all party and government officials are completely banned from giving gifts “in any form” to their superiors.

Those using state budgets, vehicles, and assets for personal purposes during Tet will be harshly punished, the directive says.

A crackdown on crime to ensure social order and safety, enhancing fire prevention, and the adequate supply of goods and services are all requirements during the holidays.

Party Central Committee’s Commission for Education and Communication will closely coordinate with Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Cultures, Sports and Tourism, and relevant agencies to popularise the directive to the public so that festivities and spring activities will be held in line with Party and State’s regulations, bringing all people a happy, safe and economical New Year.

Nhan Dan