The Burmese parliament’s upper house (amyotha hluttaw) has invited a number of groups to receive a briefing on the proposed amendments to the National Education Law.

Upper house Speaker Khin Aung Myint announced on Tuesday that 20 representatives each from six groups – the National Network for Education Reform (NNER); Committee for Democracy Education Movement (CDEM); 20 different political parties; members of the public; civil society groups; and contributors of suggestions on the amendment bill – to separate briefings from 5 -15 March.

According to the schedule, the briefing with the student representatives will take place on 5 March and the NNER on 7 March. Representatives from political parties were appointed three briefing sessions on 6, 8 and 13 March.

Phyo Phyo Aung, a member of CDEM, told DVB: “We know roughly that the briefing aims to discuss changes to the National Education Law that were proposed in the amendment bill, and that we are expected to clarify the reasons why certain amendments are needed.”

[related]

Thu Thu Aug of the NNER said, “Recently we heard about claims in state-run news outlets and social media that certain amendments we suggested can not be approved. We aim to discuss this with parliament.”

The upper house’s announcement confirmed that it had received the bill of amendments and that the house’s bill committee will prioritise its discussion during the current session.

The main column of student protestors who are currently taking a break from their march to Rangoon during the school exam period have issued an ultimatum to parliament, warning that its march to the former capital will resume if the amendment bill is not accepted by 28 February. The group is currently in the town of Letpadan in Pegu Division.