THE sixth-day meeting of the 13th regular session of the Second Amyotha Hluttaw was held at the Hluttaw building yesterday.
MPs raise question on education matters
First, Daw Nwe Nwe Aung, MP for Mon State constituency 2, raised a question on whether there were plans to upgrade B.E.M.S. branch school in Phar Auk village, Mawlamyine Township, from its branch status during the 2019-2020 academic year.
Union Education Minister Dr Myo Thein Gyi replied that the school did not meet the criteria for an upgrade as it had only 199 students when the required number is 240 and is only 1 mile away from the nearest middle school when an upgrade requires it to be over 2 miles away.
Next, U Aung Myo, MP for Sagaing Region constituency 2, raised a question on whether emergency repairs for the basic primary school in May Gon village, Padauk Gaung village-tract, Shwebo Township, will be approved soon.
Dr Myo Thein Gyi replied that K23.868 million for the school’s repairs were already allocated on 18 June, 2019.
After that, U Myo Win, MP for Mon State constituency 8, raised a question on whether the Ministry of Education has plans to enact a nationwide policy for calculating the construction costs for school dormitories.
The Union Education Minister replied that they already distribute detailed drawings for basic education schools, offices, staff residences, libraries, laboratories, fencing and restrooms free of charge. He said they carry out these tasks under an all-encompassing standard guideline.
Following that, U Khin Maung Latt, MP for Rakhine State constituency 3, raised a question on how many AGTI/ GTC schools operating on foreign funding were open in Myanmar and whether there were plans to open one in Rakhine State.
Dr Myo Thein Gyi replied that they have opened course on motorcycle maintenance, one-horsepower engine maintenance, electrical wiring, sewing and basic computer skills in collaboration between Sittway’s Government Technical High School and GIZ.
He said they have cooperated with ILO to conduct shortterm mobile training courses in Maungtaw and Buthidaung townships. He said the Union Government will consider proposals from international organizations to open a school in the region.
MPs debate Import Control Bill
The Hluttaw then debated the Import Control Bill. U Maung Maung Ohn, MP for Ayeyawady Region constituency 5, said there must be tax reduction and contract leniency to support domestic production, national social security and domestic export. He said raising tax on certain products and reducing tax on exports can effectively decrease reliance on imports.
U Kyaw Toke, MP for Mandalay Region constituency 7, suggested that a representative from the Union Attorney-General Office should be included in the Import Control Committee as it is important to have a legal expert to ensure coherence with international laws. He also suggested including a representative of domestic commodity producers and international merchants each.
The bill was further debated by Tatmadaw representative Major Ye Tint Aung, MP Dr Pyae Phyo of Ayeyawady Region constituency 7, and MP U Soe Thein of Taninthayi Region constituency 10.
The Speaker announced that the Amyotha Hluttaw Bill Committee will review the bill further.
MPs debate motion urging women empowerment in rural areas
The assembly next discussed a motion tabled by Dr Tin Tin Win, MP for Bago Region constituency 5, urging the Union Government to create a positive and supportive environment that raises the living standards and business feasibility of women in rural areas, and to reduce their likelihood to find work abroad through adverse conditions.
U Win Zaw, MP for Kachin State constituency 7, said that even countries with stable market economies and private sector development face huge hurdles in creating enough jobs for all of their capable citizens. He said the main challenges for the unemployed is unfamiliarity with technology, business policies and economic knowledge.
Daw Shwe Shwe Sein Latt, MP for Bago Region constituency 3, said policies need to correspond with practical situations and urged inclusion of gender affairs. She seconded the need for quality vocational and craftwork training for women in rural areas.
The motion was further debated by MP U Aye Min Han of Mon State constituency 1, MP Daw Nan Moe Moe Htwe of Kayin State constituency 4, and MP U Aung Kyi Nyunt of Magway Region constituency 4.
U Hla Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation suggested that the motion be put on record. He said they have already been conducting vocational trainings to reduce the number of rural residents seeking jobs abroad. He said they have been implementing the emerald green projects to promote employment opportunities and businesses.
He said they hold MSME exhibitions and fairs to uncover new markets and that the various Union ministries are adhering to the third pillar of the sustainable development plan.
The Speaker called for the deliberation of the assembly, received a majority of votes in favour and announced the motion has been approved by the Hluttaw.
The seventh-day meeting of the Second Amyotha Hluttaw’s 13th regular session will commence on 2 August. —Lu Kyaw (MNA)
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
