On the 13th day of the third regular session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw, ten questions concerning electricity supply, staff housing, new school buildings, educational storage facilities, student loans, international standards for universities, convocation halls and the redrafting of the Private Education Law were answered, while two motions were discussed and approved.
Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy U Aye Kyaw responded to a question concerning the Tiddim electricity supply project. He stated that, in order to supply electricity to Tiddim Township through the national grid, plans had been initiated in the 2022-2023 financial year to construct 40 miles of 66 kV power lines and a 66 kV substation. Although tenders were invited, the materials could not be transported to the worksite due to local security conditions. The materials are currently being stored at the central warehouse in Nay Pyi Taw, while construction plans remain temporarily suspended. He added that, once local conditions permit, the remaining procurement and construction works will be carried out using Union funds.
Regarding the electrification of the 12 remaining villages in Htugyi region of Ingapu Township, Ayeyawady Region, Deputy Minister U Aye Kyaw explained that the construction of 6.76 miles of 11 kV power lines and twelve 11/0.4 kV transformers would be prioritized in stages, depending on capital fund allocations from the Region Government budget. The construction of 400 V power lines within the villages must be undertaken through self-reliance.
Deputy Minister for Education U Nay Myo Hlaing responded to questions concerning school infrastructure. He said construction of a single-storey RC building containing four classrooms at Warkhwa Basic Education High School (Branch) in Mahlaing Township, Mandalay Region, would be scheduled according to the regional priority list, subject to capital budget allocations in upcoming financial years. Similarly, construction of a single-storey building containing three classrooms at Yaesin Basic Education Primary School in Mahlaing Township would be scheduled according to regional priorities and the availability of capital funds, while a single-storey building containing four classrooms at Htanbinkan Basic Education High School (Branch) in the same township would be planned according to regional priorities and future budget allocations.
For Maingawk Basic Education High School (Branch) in Mongshu Township, Shan State (South), he said construction of a single-storey building containing three classrooms, major repairs to address roof leaks in the two-storey brick-nogging building and construction of 280 feet of boundary wall would be planned according to the State’s priority list, subject to future fund availability. He added that there is currently insufficient space for additional staff housing, but existing staff quarters would be urgently repaired to ensure safety. At Myoma Basic Education High School in Thongwa Township, Yangon Region, construction of a new two-storey RC extension containing five classrooms would be arranged according to the regional priority list, subject to future capital budget availability. At the Kyonpyaw District Education Office in Ayeyawady Region, a single-storey RC storage facility would be constructed using capital construction funds according to the regional priority schedule in upcoming financial years.
Addressing questions concerning higher education loans and standards, Deputy Minister for Education Dr Zaw Myint stated that the Ministry of Education annually awards scholarships to eligible students from genuinely low-income families. However, Myanmar currently has no plans to provide comprehensive student loans for higher education, although living allowances and stipends continue to be provided to needy full-time students.
Regarding the upgrading of universities to international standards, Dr Zaw Myint noted that the ministry has established the National Education Standards and Quality Assurance Assessment Committee to strengthen quality assurance processes. Universities conduct internal and external audits in line with ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) criteria at both programme and institutional levels. Efforts are also being made to meet the five pillars and 17 performance indicators of Times Higher Education (THE), as well as the 11 indicators of the QS Asia University Rankings. Overall, the Ministry is continuously promoting Myanmar universities under the framework of “Quality Education, Digital Transformation, Research & Innovation, Internationalization & Quality Assurance”.
Regarding Mohnyin University, Dr Zaw Myint stated that the Department of Higher Education has scrutinized and scheduled the construction of a university-level convocation hall in accordance with procedures for the 2027–2028 financial year, subject to budget allocations.
Concerning the Private Education Law enacted on 22 October 1984, Dr Zaw Myint noted that its terminology, penalties and financial rates are no longer aligned with current circumstances. The Department of Basic Education is reviewing the necessary amendments, including provisions for online and digital learning systems. As the proposed amendments would affect more than half or two-thirds of the original provisions, the department is systematically working to draft a new law in accordance with legislative procedures.
Next, U Win Myint Maung, representative from Kyaukpadaung Constituency, submitted a motion urging the Union Government to reinstate and implement a special nurturing programme for outstanding arts and science students (Arts/Science Excellence Awards) in accordance with Section 368, Chapter 8 of the 2008 Constitution. The motion was supported by U Hla Myint, a representative from Madaya Constituency. The Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker sought the assembly’s decision and, with the approval of the assembly, the motion was accepted for discussion. Representatives were invited to register their names to participate in the debate.
Similarly, U Thet Naing Oo, representative from Hpa-an Constituency, submitted a motion urging the Union Government and the Ministry of Health to establish major outpatient departments to ease the healthcare burden on citizens and establish regional specialized hospitals capable of providing international-standard treatment for major diseases. The motion was supported by U Ye Tun Win, a representative from Thayetchaung Constituency. The Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker sought the assembly’s decision, and the motion was accepted for debate, with interested representatives invited to register their names.
The 13th day of the third regular session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw was adjourned, and it was announced that the 14th day of the session would be held on 9 October. — News Team/TH
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