Pyithu Hluttaw approves motion on outstanding student awards, addresses key questions

The 17th-day meeting of the third regular session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw took place yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw, with Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi and Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn in attendance alongside parliamentary representatives.
During the session, representatives raised five starred questions covering watershed conservation, migrant worker remittances, border trade levies, and school infrastructure. The parliament also debated and approved a proposal urging the Union Government to revive and expand the training programme for outstanding arts and science students under Section 368 of the Constitution.
Responding to a question by Dr Nanda Hla Myint (Kalaw constituency) regarding land rights and watershed preservation in Kalaw Township’s Aungban area, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Dr Thaung Naing Oo explained that the ministry has issued Land Use Certificates (Form 7) for 37.89 acres of farmland. He noted that dispute settlements are pending for 9.66 acres, while legal actions are proceeding against 17 encroachers occupying over three acres in the Aungban reserve. The ministry has also planted 7,717 acres of watershed, conservation, and greening plantations across 10 townships in Shan State to protect local water sources.
Union Minister for Labour U Maung Myint answered an enquiry from U Tint Wai (North Dagon constituency) concerning illegal migrant labour and remittance systems. The minister stated that official bilateral MoUs and agency monitoring safeguard documented workers abroad. To facilitate official remittances, the Central Bank of Myanmar has permitted 16 Authorized Dealer (AD) banks and 18 remittance companies to partner with international money transfer operators, allowing expatriate workers to transfer earnings through the state-owned Myanma Economic Bank, private banks, and licensed agencies.
Addressing an inquiry from U Aung Zaw Moe (Muse constituency) on border cargo levies, Deputy Minister for Commerce U Win Myint Khaing clarified that the government cannot currently permit a three-per-cent tax scheme or allow individuals to carry K5 million worth of regional cargo across checkpoints. He explained that 146 previously permitted import items now require Non-Automatic Import Licences via Myanmar TradeNet 2.0 to curb trade discrepancies and manage foreign exchange.
Regarding educational infrastructure, Deputy Minister for Education U Nay Myo Hlaing addressed queries from Dr Htay Win (Ingapu constituency) and Daw Kyu Kyu Maw (Thazi constituency), noting that proposed construction for one-storey and two-storey reinforced concrete buildings at basic education schools in Ingapu and Thazi townships will be prioritized according to regional capital budget allocations in upcoming Financial years.
The Hluttaw then debated a motion tabled by U Win Myint Maung (Kyaukpadaung constituency) calling on the Union Government to reinstitute special selection and training programmes for outstanding arts and science students. Following discussions by six MPs, Deputy Minister U Nay Myo Hlaing outlined current scholarship schemes at Yangon and Mandalay universities, adding that the programme will expand to Naypyitaw State Academy starting in the 2026-2027 academic year to support outstanding students through postgraduate and doctoral studies.
The parliament decided to keep the motion on official record. The meeting adjourned until its 18th-day session on 19 October. — News Team/ST