Certificate of Merit

Certificate of Merit 

(in Russian, Pochetnaia gramota), in the socialist countries, a form of moral incentive for workers and collectives. In the USSR, Certificates of Merit are conferred by the presidia of the supreme soviets of Union and autonomous republics, the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions, ministries (departments), executive committees of local soviets, and administrations of enterprises and institutions. The procedure for recommending individuals and groups for Certificates of Merit is regulated by statutes. The Statute on the Certificate of Merit of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR was confirmed by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR of July 18, 1956. This Certificate of Merit is awarded to industrial workers; kolkhozniks; clerical and professional employees; those active in scholarship, science, literature, and art; and enterprises and organizations. The award is made for exceptional performance in meeting state plans; good harvests; fruitful work in industry, scholarship, science, and the social and political sphere; and other accomplishments. It is awarded by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR.

The Certificate of Merit of the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions was instituted on Oct. 28, 1960, as an incentive for leading collectives, individual workers, engineers, technicians, clerical and professional employees, trade unionists, and active members of trade union organizations. It is awarded for initiative and success in meeting plans, developing socialist emulation, organizing educational work, and improving cultural and everyday services to the working people. The award is made by the Presidium of the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions upon the recommendation of the soviets and central committees of trade unions.

Certificates of Merit may be given as incentives in accordance with the Model of Internal Work Regulations and by the Basic Principles of Labor Legislation of 1970. They are also given for active public work by decisions of Party, Komsomol, and other public organizations.