NA Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân said the session will focus on reviewing and assessing outcomes of the 11th and also the last session of the 13th NA and discussing preparations for the first meeting of the 14th NA. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

Viet Nam News -HÀ NỘI — Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee started their 47th session yesterday in Hà Nội.

NA Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân said the session will focus on reviewing and assessing outcomes of the 11th and also the last session of the 13th NA and discussing preparations for the first meeting of the 14th NA.

They will also discuss the issuance of the Resolution on benefits and other conditions to ensure effective activities of members of the People’s Councils, the appointment of Vietnamese ambassadors for the 2016 – 2019 tenure and draft resolutions on the classification of administrative divisions.

During the morning session, deputies discussed a Resolution on benefits and other conditions to ensure activities of members of the People’s Councils.

They agreed with the need to issue the Resolution to help increase the effectiveness of People’s Councils’ members to recover shortcomings that hinder operation of the deputies.

NA Vice Chairman Uông Chu Lưu said according to the Law on Local Government Organisation and the Constitution, the role and positions of the People’s Councils’ members was improved so it was necessary to adjust policies and conditions relating to their operation such as minimum wage and allowance levels.

It was unreasonable for the benefits and working conditions for People’s Council members to be the same as 10 years ago. Amendments are necessary, he said.

Some deputies suggested clarifying shortcomings in regulations relating to policies and conditions of the People’s Council deputies and reviewing all related legal documents at all localities nationwide to ensure transparency and equality in implementing policies for members of the People’s Councils.

After discussions, the NA Standing Committee approved a draft resolution on the problem.

On the same day, deputies discussed a proposal submitted by Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court Nguyễn Hòa Bình on costumes worn by judges, which said that the costume worn by the judges should be black robes to deliver the most profound image of the court and be in conformity with international practice.

Most of the members of the NA’s Committee for Judicial Affairs agreed with the Chief Justice.

Their costume at court must show formality while being in accordance with international norms, they said. At present, the costume of judges during trials is still similar to that of other agencies and organisations, the justice committee members noted. — VNS