Questions raised and answered, proposals discussed and submitted at first Pyithu Hluttaw second regular session

New Light of Myanmar

September 2, 2011 NAY PYI TAW, 1 Sept-The first Pyithu Hluttaw second regular session was held for the ninth day at Pyithu Hluttaw Hall of Hluttaw Building here this morning. Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann and 385 Pyithu Hluttaw representatives attended the session at which 11 questions were raised and answered, one proposal was under discussion and two proposals were submitted. On 30 August, Pyithu Hluttaw received the workers’ organizations bill and the bill to amend Union Election Commission Law that have been submitted and approved by Amyotha Hluttaw. The bills are due to be under discussion the following week, the Pyithu Hluttaw Bill Committee will scrutinize the bills, and submit them to the Hluttaw together with its report for talks. Those Hluttaw representatives wishing to take part in the discussion are to register by 5 September, stating exactly the paragraph and subject of the bill they want to discuss. Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing responded to four questions about irrigation. U Soe Paing from Wuntho Constituency said that Daungmyu Dam Project in Wuntho Township, Sagaing Region, is one of the special projects for which the green light has been given, but it has not been launched yet, asking if there is a plan to build the dam. The Union minister in his reply said that the project lies near HseU Village, Wuntho Township, Katha District, Sagaing Region; that green light was given at Meeting 1/ 2008 of the Special Projects Implementation Committee to build the dam with the aim of protecting Wuntho and Kawlin against floods; that on completion, the facility will have a 135 feet high earthen embankment with a storage capacity of 64,660 acre feet to irrigate some 10,000 acres of farmlands for mixedand multiple-cropping patterns; that feasibility study and measuring the area for the project have been carried out, and designs have been drawn for building two 4 ft x 6 ft outlet conduit and a 150 feet wide spillway; and that based on the budgets to be passed in order of priority by the government, the ministry will implement the project. U Thaung Han from Yinmabin Constituency asked if there is a plan to put off the date to settle the monsoon agricultural loans to 31 March or to the end of the last week of March the following year in the light of the difficulties pea farmers are facing. The Union minister said that if the Myanma Agricultural Development Bank collects the loans for monsoon crops, cold season crops and premonsoon crops before the season, it will not be convenient for farmers to settle their debts, and if the bank collects the loans after the season, it will be hard for the bank to collect all the loans; that therefore, the bank collects the loans commencing January and February which is their harvest time and completes the process by the end of March; that the bank is responsible for ensuring that all farmers settle their loans in the same fiscal year in order that it can calculate the amount of loans and ask the Myanma Economic Bank for the loans for the next season in time; that all accounts can be balanced only if all the loans are settled across the nation in the same fiscal year; that if the date is put off to the end of March, the process of balancing the accounts on loans can be completed only after the fiscal year, and that makes a mess of accounting for the next fiscal year; that the bank has to manage the collecting of loans as different regions have different crop-planting seasons and harvest times and has to keep an eye on the process to avert loss and misappropriation of the State funds; and that so the last date is put off from 15 February to the end of February. U Kyaw Myint from Ayadaw Constituency asked if Ayadaw River Water Pumping Project (1) will be put into action, when the programme to link the power cable between Ayadaw River Water Pumping Project (2) and Ayadaw River Water Pumping Project (3), and when the project is due to be completed. The Union minister said that Ayadaw (1) Project is near Baunggya Village, Ayadaw (2) Project is near Magyeezauk Village, and Ayadaw (3) Project is near Thalebar Village in Ayadaw Township to pump water from the Mu River to benefit farmlands; that Ayadaw (1) Project is not on the State’s list of priorities, and is not included in the list of hydropower projects implemented with State funds either; that so, no report has been submitted to the Special Projects Implementation Committee yet for funds; that Ayadaw (2) Project was launched in July 2002, and Ayadaw (3) Project, in September  2003; that the size of electric power for Ayadaw (2) Project is 20 MVA, and that for Ayadaw (3) Project, 45 MVA; that Ohndaw 230/66/11 KV 100 MVA power station is being built near Kantalu Village, Sagaing, for Ayadaw (2) Ayadaw (3), Hsintat, Pyawt Village and Tat Village projects; that the Water Resources Utilization Department signed an agreement in 2010-2011 to buy Ohndaw (230/66/ 11) MV 100 MVA power station; that a budget of 5.1 million US dollars was submitted for the project, but the government granted only 2.13 million US dollars as it has to prioritize many other projects; that so a budget of 2.97 million US dollars will be submitted in 2012-2013 financial year; that the project will be completed cent per cent in 2013-2014 if the government grants the budget; that the government has to implement many projects in order of priority; and that the ministry will continue the project according to the amount of the budget. U Tin Myint from Taze Constituency in his question said that the project to dam the Setonelone Creek to benefit over 10,000 acres of farmlands in Daze Township, Sagaing Region, is among the special projects, but it has not been launched yet, and so he wondered if the project will be launched. The Union minister said that Sebadone Dam near Ai-ma Village in Daze Township, is designed not only to benefit farmlands but also to protect farmlands against the floods when right Kintet canal is swollen; that the Special Projects Implementation Committee gave the green light at its meeting 1/2009 to build a dam by damming the Sebadone Creek (Setonelone Creek), and upon completion the dam will have a 71 feet high earthen embankment, will be able to store 49,470 acre feet and irrigate 10,000 acres of farmlands; that feasibility study, ground measuring and geological survey have been carried out; designs for the dam, outlet conduit and spillway are being drawn; and that the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation will implement the project according to the size of the funds. Union Minister for Education Dr Mya Aye answered four questions asked by two Hluttaw representatives. U Aye from Homalin Constituency said that Homalin upstream the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region has a population of nearly 300,000, and asked if it is planned to establish Upper Chindwin Regional College. The Union minister said that the youngsters in Sagaing Region who have passed matriculation examinations join Shwebo University, Kalay University and Monywa University; that those from Homalin, Lahe, Leshi, Hkamti and Phaungpyin townships who have passed matriculation examinations to join Monywa University; that designation of colleges for those youths is based on transportation and expenses; that 551 students from Homalin, Lahe, Leshi, Hkamti and Phaungpyin townships are to join Monywa University in 2010-2011 academic year; that an opportunity has been given to the youth across the nation to have university education by setting up University of Distance Education that is practised worldwide; and that therefore, at present there is no plan to open a college in the township. U Shwe Maung (a) U Abdul Rawzak from Buthidaung Constituency said that at the first regular session of Pyithu Hluttaw, it was answered that the youths from Buthidaung and Maungtaw townships in Rakhine State who have passed matriculation examinations and who meet the qualifications of a citizen can join universities, colleges and institutes. He asked what the government and related departments will do for those students to get citizenship scrutiny cards in time. He said that at the first regular session, it was answered that the government is taking measures for appointing resident teachers in the basic education schools in the two townships, and asked what measures the government is taking for appointing resident teachers who know local dialects, customs and traditions, and what the government can do to improve the education standard of Maungtaw District in Rakhine State as low education standard poses hindrance to all-round development of the nation. The Union minister said that the youth from the two townships can join the university, college and institute where they want to pursue education; that they have to meet the set rate of marks for the educational institution concerned as well as the laws, rules and regulations set by the scrutiny board of the university concerned. Regarding the second question, he said that the majority of the teachers in the basic education schools in Maungtaw Township are residents; that the others are the minority who are serving duties temporarily in the township to which their spouses and parents are posted; that after completion of their tours of duties, those teachers will return to their regions; that some resident teachers of the 17 townships in Rakhine State are currently serving duties inside and outside Rakhine State; that similarly, there are teachers born in Buthidaung and Maungtaw townships and are serving in other regions, and many teacher from other regions who are serving in the two townships; that under the Ministry of Education’s policy of selecting trainees and appointing staff, it is impossible that all the teachers are to be residents; that the resident teachers of Rakhine State have to work in the regions according to their positions; that teachers of other Regions and States also have to work in different regions for smooth functioning of the education sector; that previously, residents were appointed as teachers in the educational institutions according to their applications; that trainees to the training course of the Education College are selected in proportion according to sex and subject; that qualified trainees have priority to be appointed in their home regions; that anyone who meets the laws and rules and regulations can sit for the entrance Examination. Regarding the third question, the Union Minister said that matriculation pass rates in the academic years are not stable; that pass rates are based on how hard students study; that Buthidaung Township got a matriculation pass rate of 19.95%, and Maungtaw Township, 17.27% in 2009; 22.87% and 18.85% in 2010; 20.41% and 17.05% in 2011; that Maungtaw Township has five basic education high schools, three high schools (branches), eight middle schools, one middle school (branch), one affiliated middle school, 16 post-primary schools, 125 primary schools, Buthidaung Township has three high schools, one high school (branch), two affiliated high schools, three middle schools, three middle schools (branches), 20 postprimary schools and 122 primary schools; and that Maungtaw District has enough teachers and its education standard is not low. Union Minister for Immigration and Population U Khin Yi replied the three questions raised by two Hluttaw representatives. U Zaw Ki Ahmed (a) U Aung Zaw Win of Maungtaw Constituency asked about when the government will exchange national scrutiny cards (pink card) with temporary national identity cards (white card) for Myanmar local Muslims in Maungtaw District of Rakhine State. In response, the Union Minister said that it is assumed that the usage of local Myanmar Muslim means Bengalis residing in the region. The existing law says that no one can apply for dual citizenship at the same time and if he or she wants to apply for Myanmar citizenship, he or she must legally forgo the citizenship of other countries. According to respective countries laws, they need not to be citizens of the said countries. They need to present certification that they have not registered at related foreign embassy relating to original race as its citizens, and they have not applied for passport. Article 3 of Myanmar Citizenship Law (1982) which is currently practicing prescribes that “Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan national races and tribes permanently living in any region of the country before 1185 ME (1823 AD) as their original country are Myanmar citizens.” According to the law, if anyone is not component of national races or tribes, he or she needs to submit certifications to strongly confirm as a citizen. Issuing national scrutiny card is not based on race and religion. It is concerned with the competence of a citizen’s features prescribed in Myanmar Citizenship Law which was passed on 15 October 1982. Detailed explanation about Myanmar Citizenship Law (1982) has been given on 26 August in replying to the question of Pyithu Hluttaw representative U Thein Nyunt from Thingangyun Constituency. Only when those concerned can present firm certification of their ancestors, will they get citizenship scrutiny card. Our service personnel will issue citizenship scrutiny card to those qualified to be a citizen. According to Myanmar Citizenship Law (1982) and Foreigner Registration Act (1940), those living in Myanmar need to have citizenship scrutiny card or associate citizen certificate or naturalized citizenship certificate or foreigner registration certificate or temporary identity certificate. Those who cannot show such card or certificates will be temporarily assumed that they are doubted citizens and need to have temporary identity certificate. In order to get any card, those who are in competence of the provisions of Myanmar Citizenship Law (1982) need to apply for citizenship with the recommendation of “committee for scrutinizing citizen, associate citizen, naturalized citizen” and according to (1983) Naturalized Citizenship Rules and Regulations 46. For the applicants, supervisory committees have been formed at region/state and township level. From 24 November 2009 to date, 105,051 persons who are doubted citizens have been granted citizenship. In order to issue any kind of identity cards to halfblooded persons living not only in Maungtaw of Rakhine State but also across the country, measures are being taken in accord with Law, procedure , and rules and regulations by arranging files taking time. Due to illegal migration and association of Bengalis from the neighboring country to the country, there are complications of population difficult to define who is who. So, it is needed to take time to cope with such issues because of national security and national affairs. Still, submitting the required certification is a key to changing of national scrutiny card. Measures will be taken for smooth procedure flow at appropriate moment. In response to the question raised by U Shwe Maung (a) U Adu Rawzak of Buthidaung Constituency that “to travel to Yangon for health, social and economic matters, about 90 per cent of locals from Buthidaung and Maungtaw of Rakhine State cost about K 30,000 for the distance from Buthidaung and Maungtaw to Sittway and K 400,000 from Sittway to Yangon in an illegal way. He asked how the government will tackle such situation to drive it out, and how the government will take measures for law (immigration form- 4) prescribed for foreigners that takes against local Myanmar Muslims who are living there for long time”, according to the needs of security and national affairs, there are cooperative groups including respective departments running checks at required points along the route from Buthidaung and Maungtaw to Sittway and Yangon so as to prevent illegal Bengali migration from the neighboring country. If there are any sufferers, they need to come forward with accurate attestation with exact time and place legally. Millions of pamphlets have been given out to fight bribery and corruption. Phone and fax numbers are shown in public making field trips, airing interviews on Myanmar TV and Myawady TV, on pages of journals and magazines, launching departmentowned website. The sufferers can make complaints and door is opening to constructive advices. So far, many locals from regions and states are cooperating in the form of asking confusion and reporting matters needed to be changed. The ministry took actions like dismissal, demotion and transfer against 12 governmental staff who did not adhere to directive of the ministry as of 1 July. So, any cases that come along with right evidence will be investigated and take action if true. For emergence of good governance and clean government, efforts are being made in accord with the guidelines of heads. Regarding the second question, illegal migration of Bengalis from the neighboring country has effect not only on adjoining region but also on inner part of the country including Kachin, Kayin, Shan and Mon states. Why travel form-4 is used is that migrants are not distinguishable and it is according to national security and affairs. That is why security is being tightened up. In traveling across the country, anyone is to submit overnight guest list and request to renew it. Action will be taken if he or she does not follow it. It is a system for national security. Action was taken against 278 migrants across the country from 2005 to 29, August 2011 despite efforts. So it is still necessary to take approach to such measures. Using travel form-4 does not mean deterrence of travel. It is just for inspection measures in a systematic way. In the system, anyone can go around the township freely. If needed to travel to other township in a state, he or she is to have permission of township/district/state staff officers. To travel to other state, local authorities are reported with the permission of state staff officer. The ministry has permitted those who have immigration qualifications to travel and extended their stay when they report on their purpose of education, health and social affairs. Therefore, for the state security and national concern, immigration form-4 is used to stop the illegal migration Bengalis and the ministry is strictly carrying out the task as it is necessity. Afterwards, Hluttaw three representatives discussed the proposal to supply irrigation water, build dams according to the geographical features of the regions for achieving the goal that Kachin State will become the fourth granary in Myanmar” submitted by U Zone Taint of Chipwe Constituency yesterday. In his discussion to second the proposal, U Myo Swe of Tanai Constituency said that if the State supply more irrigation water to catchment areas, farmers can overcome the impacts of the climate change and can apply from single to triple cropping patterns, encouraging environmental conservation. Afterwards, U In Phone Hsan (a) U In Htu Phone Hsan of Machanbaw Constituency said that it is necessary to build iron-reinforce type concrete dam as earthen dams are eroded every year. He continued to say that he believed that if the State builds more dams and reservoirs in four districts and 18 townships in Kachin State to supply irrigation water to farmland, the goal of the State will be achieved. U Zaw Tun of Momauk Constituency said that he seconded the proposal because it would benefit the people. Regarding the proposal, Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing said that in Kachin State, there are a total of 124 dams including three diversion dams of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, development dams, rural dams and UNDP dams, benefiting a total of 66906 acres of catchment area. Spending the budget of the State, the ministry is implementing Paungnat Dam project in Shweku Township, Tarli Diversion Dam project in Momauk Township and Naungmi Diversion dam project in Hpakant Township. Besides, the ministry has set 13 projects targets and now has done assessment and drawn designs. The projects are Gwayhtu Dam, Nantmi Dam and Nantmyinkha Dam (Washaung Diversion Dam) in Waimaw Township, Hsaungkha Diversion Dam, Takwin Diversion Dam, Kyarkyikwin Diversion Dam in Moehnyin Township, Partein Diversion Dam in Bhamo Township, Hofai Dam, Matpan Dam, Lemaewahgyi Dam, Nantpalat Dam, Nanthpan Dam and Nantshe Dam in PutaO Township. The ministry has planned to implement the projects step by step in priority in considering the security, transportation, education and health matters. The Hluttaw agreed to keep the proposal of U Zon Teint as a record as it is not necessary to vote his proposal. During the proposal submission session, U Sar Mu of Lahe Constituency submitted a proposal to reduce the poverty in Leshe, Lahe and Nanyun townships in the Naga selfadministratered area and U Maung Oo of Tatkon Constituency submitted a proposal to permit establishing private companies in accordance with rules and regulations. Pyithu Hluttaw agreed to discuss the proposals and declared that it will announce the date to discuss the proposals later, and asked the representatives who want to discuss the proposals to register this evening. The ninth-day second regular session of the First Pyithu Hluttaw concluded at 1.50 pm. The tenth-day session continues at 10 am on 2, September, 2011.