THE Third Pyithu Hluttaw held the 24th day of its second regular session, during which lawmakers raised 12 questions on telecommunications, roads, bridges, sports facilities and assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs), while also debating a proposal and introducing a bill.
Sai Kyaw Hla, MP for the Kunhing Constituency, asked whether two mobile towers could be built to provide network coverage to 72 villages in Kunhing Township. Deputy Minister for Digital Development and Communications U Thet Win Aung said there are currently no plans to build new towers because of the area’s difficult terrain, lack of electricity and limited telecommunications infrastructure. However, he said surveys would be conducted, and future expansion would depend on funding and technical feasibility.
U Rah Ni, MP for the PutaO Constituency, asked whether the remaining 10 miles of the PutaO-Namhtwamhku village road would be upgraded to concrete. Deputy Minister for Border Affairs Maj-Gen Kyaw Swa Oo said the project would be implemented in a suitable financial year, subject to transportation conditions and budget availability.
U Aye Chan, MP for the Hlinethaya East Constituency, sought details on the objectives and plans of the newly established Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Deputy Minister Daw San San Nwe said the ministry would strengthen women’s development through public awareness campaigns, cooperation with relevant organizations and improved policy implementation.
U Ngwar Ye Hse, MP for the Machanbaw Constituency, asked whether a township sports office and sports ground would be built. Deputy Minister for Sports U Nyi Nyi said the ministry would seek approval and funding to construct a football field and office building.
U Kyaw Lin, MP for the Bhamo Constituency, asked whether monthly financial assistance for IDPs would resume. Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Than Soe said the payments, which were provided throughout 2025, could not continue in 2026 because disaster management funds are being prioritized for Mandalay earthquake recovery and reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by conflict.
Other questions were raised by MPs from Shwedaung, Thanatpin, Kyangin, Wundwin, Myittha, Mindon and Hmawby constituencies on flood-control embankments, drainage improvements, rural roads and bridges. Most replies were given by Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Bo Bo Kyaw and Deputy Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Theik Soe, who said the proposed projects would be considered according to budget availability and future financial-year priorities.
The session also debated a motion submitted by Dr Htein Win, MP for the Kyaunggon Constituency, calling on the Union Government to establish a National Population and Development Commission to systematically manage census data for evidence-based policymaking and national development. MPs from Labutta, Thabaung, Kyauktan, Bago, Botahtaung, Dagon Myothit (South), Paungde, Pinlaung, Waw, Hlinethaya, Tachilek, Kyunsu and Hmawby constituencies spoke in support of the proposal.
Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Lin Zaw Tun said population policies must take into account factors such as demographic trends, natural resources, economic and social conditions, geographic population distribution and national security needs. He noted that while Myanmar has yet to adopt a comprehensive population policy, relevant programmes are already being implemented. The deputy minister said the 2024 Population and Housing Census fully covered 152 of the country’s 330 townships, with 58 townships not surveyed. He added that a National Population and Development Commission should be established only after a more complete census and socioeconomic data become available.
The Fourth Amendment to the Political Parties Registration Bill was introduced to the Pyithu Hluttaw by Union Election Commission Member U Khin Maung Oo, while U Tint Lwin, a member of the Bill Committee, presented the committee’s review report. Speaker U Khin Yi invited MPs wishing to propose amendments to register their names.
The 24th day of the second regular session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw was then adjourned, with the next sitting scheduled for 17 July. — MNA/ST
