THE 21st day of the Third Regular Session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw convened yesterday at the Hluttaw Building in Nay Pyi Taw, attended by Speaker U Khin Yi, Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn, and Members of Parliament. During the sitting, representatives raised 15 starred questions regarding regional infrastructure, transportation, public health, and irrigation, debated a motion on cultural heritage protection, and received a bill committee report.
In response to infrastructure and transport queries, Deputy Minister for Construction U Myo Myint outlined phased budget allocations for upgrading roads across Sagaing Region, Bago Region, Kachin State, and Shan State, including a five-year plan for the Htamanthi-LeshiPansat-Somra corridor and gradual improvements to the Kengtung-Hsaihkaw earthen route. He noted, however, that an immediate bypass project for Pindaya remains unviable pending feasibility and land compensation assessments.
Deputy Minister for Transport U Aung Myaing clarified that direct rail links between Mawlamyine and Nay Pyi Taw will not resume due to low ridership, pointing to existing connections via Bago, and reiterated that vehicles lapsed in registration for over five years cannot be re-registered under current statute, except under specific security-related exemptions.
Addressing healthcare and agriculture, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Tin Tun confirmed the installation of a 25-KVA backup generator at Monyo Township Hospital, scheduled FY 2027–2028 repair funds for staff housing at Dauntgyi Station Hospital, and stated that Waw Township Hospital’s 25-bed ceiling precludes sanctioned posts for medical specialists.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Bo Bo Kyaw reported on state budget submissions to rebuild a diversion weir in Mongyawng, restore flood-damaged canal banks in Mongkhat, and continue ongoing desilting and concrete lining operations across the Mobye Dam irrigation network in Loikaw.
The Hluttaw then debated a motion submitted by Hluttaw representative Dr Shwe Pyi Soe calling for dedicated legislation and national policies to protect national literature, language, and cultural heritage. Representatives U Win Myint Maung and U Sai Kyaw Hla backed the call for strong legal safeguards to curb digital language degradation and foreign cultural drift, while representative Dr Hla Tint advocated prioritizing funding and reviews of existing statutes over drafting new laws. Deputy Minister for Education U Win Maung Thein explained that active frameworks already cover cultural preservation, recommending the proposal be held on record. The Hluttaw subsequently resolved to record and monitor the motion.
Before adjournment, the Pyithu Hluttaw Bill Committee submitted its findings on the Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Protection Bill as amended by the Amyotha Hluttaw, with the Speaker inviting amendment registrations ahead of the 22nd day session scheduled for 2 November.
News Team/ST
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