During the 17th-day meeting of the 11th regular session of the Second Pyithu Hluttaw yesterday, MPs discussed at length on a motion tabled by Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo of Kyauktan constituency urging the Union Government to equip nursery school teachers with the required skillsets and to allocate funds for nutritional supplements for the children.
Service providers violating the law will be penalized
The first oral question on the Hluttaw’s agenda was raised by Dr. U Hla Moe of Aungmyethazan constituency asking whether there were plans to take legal action towards licensed service providers who have violated the rights of its consumers.
U Thar Oo, Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications, replied that if licensed service providers are found to be charging consumers different rates from its advertised services then action will be taken against them in line with Section 57 of the Telecommunications Law and Section 41-(a) of the License Issuance Bylaw.
The Deputy Minister said they will be conducting public awareness campaigns on understanding service provider advertisements and notifications. He said consumers can report violations of service agreements to the Directorate of Communications and the Consumer Affairs Department, and added that they are working closely with the latter department to ensure users do not face losses when filing reports.
Repairing weathered MPT office and other questions
U Ar Moe Si of Khaunglanphu constituency raised a question on whether the Myanmar Post and Telecommunications office in Khaunglanphu Township, ruined by the weather elements, will be swiftly renovated. Deputy Minister U Thar Oo replied that a suitable new office will be built to replace the old building if the proposal for capital funds in the 2019-2020 FY is verified and allocated.
The rest of question time focused on Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population U Thein Swe, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Soe Aung, and Deputy Minister U Thar Oo replying to questions raised by Daw Nan Htwe Thu of Pasawng constituency, U Kyaw Tin of Saw constituency, U Khin Cho of Hlaingbwe constituency, U Nyunt Win of Kanpetlet constituency, and U Myint Lwin of Twantay constituency.
Speaker U T Khun Myat then announced the Pyithu Hluttaw has received the Bill Amending the Myanmar Engineering Council Law, send back with amendments from the Amyotha Hluttaw, and called for MPs interested in submitting further amendments to enroll their names.
MPs discuss motion regarding nursery teachers, nutrition
Pyithu Hluttaw representatives discussed a motion tabled by Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo of Kyauktan constituency urging the Union Government to equip nursery school teachers with the necessary skills for taking care of children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old and to submit a suitable budget proposal for providing nutritional supplements in nursery schools.
U Myint Oo of Magway constituency seconded the motion, saying the early childhood years are important for ensuring proper mental and physical development throughout children’s entire life.
U Aung Thaik of Seikpyu constituency also seconded the motion, adding that the Union Government should also push for the emergence of nursery schools, with approval and regular support from the Department of Social Welfare, in remote regions of Myanmar.
The motion was further discussed by U Sai Oo Khem of Hsenwi constituency, U Yan Kyin Kan of Kunlong constituency, Daw Nan Than Than Lwin of Hpa-an constituency, Daw Ni Shwe Lian of Thantlang constituency, U Myo Naing of Chanayetharzan constituency, and U Ar Moe Si of Khaunglanphu constituency.
Deputy Minister replies to motion, gives approval
Deputy Minister U Soe Aung then responded to the motion. He said child-centered learning is employed to create a learning environment that encourages play, music, arts and crafts, encourages curiosity and innovation in a safe space for children. He said the Department of Social Welfare commits itself to ensure public and private nursery schools are legally registered, shares technical skills, and conducts capacity building training.
The Deputy Minister responded to a statement in the motion that reads: ‘the practice of lining children up for nap time is intended to passively discipline them and is a mistaken way of developing them’; by saying that nursery school teachers are outfitted with proper childhood development methods and follow the curriculum set by the Department of Social Welfare.
The Deputy Minister said they will continue collaborating with other relevant ministries, NGOs, and civil society organizations to ensure every child gets to attend nursery school and child development methods are disseminated among the public. He said he agrees with the well-meaning intentions of the motion and for it to be approved.
Next, the Speaker asked the MP who tabled the motion for any additional consideration and the MP replied for the motion to be approved. The Speaker then called for the deliberation of the Hluttaw, and after receiving no disagreements from the other MPs, announced the Hluttaw has approved of the motion.
The 18th-day meeting of the 11th regular session of the Second Pyithu Hluttaw will be held tomorrow.
By Aye Aye Thant (MNA)(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
