THE Amyotha Hluttaw session continued yesterday with 10 parliamentarians discussing a
proposal calling for special plans to eradicate illiteracy in ethnic regions, enable ethnic
people to pursue further studies and promote ethnic literature.

Lt-Col Ye Naing Oo, Defence Services personnel Amyotha Hluttaw representative, stressed
the need to ensure equitable development for all ethnic minorities by enabling them to
pursue further studies.

He called for the implementation of a non-formal primary education (NFPE) programme,
pointing out that about three million aged 15 and above living in rural areas are illiterate
and about 4.8 million aged above five have no access to education. He added that the
country has about 9.3million migrant workers and IDPs.

In his discussion, U Han Win Thein of Thaninthayi Region Constituency 4 stressed the need
for ensuring equal rights in education as most of those living in remote areas are illiterate.

He suggested that there be a focus on reform in education, calling for critical investments in
education to ensure sustainable development.

The lawmaker called on Amyotha Hluttaw to put record on the proposal. Likewise, U Naing
Thiha ofMon State Constituency 7 highlighted the importance of ethnic literature, language
and culturefor ensuring sustainability of ethnic identity, calling for the right to learn ethnic
language and enjoy ethnic literature.

U Kyaw Ni Naing of Shan State Constituency 10 also emphasized the need for unity in diversity,
calling for the ensuring of equal rights in the education and health sectors.