November 07, 2019
During the second-day meeting of the Second Pyidaungsu Hluttaw’s 14th regular session yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation explained their use of over K3 billion from the Union emergency fund, and MPs debated a proposed loan of US$100 million from IDA for the Ministry of Education’s project for inclusive quality education accessible for all citizens.
Firstly, Speaker U T Khun Myat announced that The Adaptation of Expressions Bill, which has to be marked as approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, will be put on record.
Emergency funds used to compensate farmers
Next, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Hla Kyaw explained to the assembly of his ministry’s acquisition of K3.02015 billion from the emergency fund of the 2018-2019 FY Union Budget Law.
The Deputy Minister said a total of 682,417 acres of crops across the nation were destroyed by heavy rains during the 2018 monsoon season. He said they have compensated K7.330705 billion for 380,080 acres of the destroyed farmlands as of 17 August, 2018. He said the K3 billion was needed to compensate the remaining 302,315 acres.
The Deputy Minister said the matter has already been approved by the Union Government and it is truly urgent to compensate the farmers for their lost crops, which is why he moves for the assembly to approve the matter. The Speaker then announced the matter has been put on record.
Next, Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance, U Maung Maung Win, submitted the bill to amend the Myanmar Stamp Act on behalf of the Union Government. Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Joint Bill Committee member Daw Nwe Nwe Aung then read her committee’s report on the bill. The Speaker called for MPs interested in discussing the bill to register their names.
Assembly debates IDA loan
Following this, MPs debated the acquisition of $100 million from the International Development Association (IDA) by the Ministry of Education to implement inclusive quality education accessible by all citizens.
MP Daw Cho Cho Win of Mawlaik constituency said as the project will be funded by loans, it needs to be given careful attention to succeed. She said education is indispensable for the development of a nation and it is crucial for everyone to act in all kindness towards the next generation of citizens who will lead the nation in the future.
MP U Htein Win of Ayeyawady Region constituency 4 voiced his approval on the acquisition. He said everyone involved in the project must maintain accountability to ensure the project fund is not wasted or lost in corruption.
MP U Phone Myint Aung of DaikU constituency also approved of the IDA loan. He said the project will be implemented in 4 phases and has a respectable objective. He said the end result from the project will benefit all future generations in the country. He offered his suggestion for the education ministry to be frugal in all areas applicable during the project.
The matter was further debated by 11 MPs.
MPs next debated the Joint Public Accounts Committee’s report (15/2019) on the Department of Basic Education’s progress concerning its construction projects with the allotted budget for 2018-2019 FY.
The third-day meeting of the 14th regular session of the Second Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will be held on 8 November.—Aung Ye Twin, Aye Aye Thant (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Pyidaungsu Hluttaw hears agriculture ministry’s use of emergency funds
