HLUTTAW SESSIONS:- PYIDAUNGSU HLUTTAW: Union ministers explain budgets at Pyidaungsu Hluttaw: "Nay Pyi Taw, 16 March — Union level officials explained the budgets for ministries at the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw session on Monday. Union Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry U Win Tun told the national assembly session that four departments of the ministry asked for less expenditure for fuel oil, maintenance of machinery and receptions than in previous years, but Myanma Timber Enterprise had to seek more funds to pay income taxes for the 2013- 14 fiscal year and cover increased salaries and pensions. According to the union minister, Myanma Timber Enterprise will have little left over after it has paid salaries, wages, commercial taxes and income taxes and, as a result, the ministry will face difficulty if the proposed budget is cut by 5 percent by the Joint Public Account Committee..."...PYITHU HLUTTAW: Seniors? social welfare fund programme will be expanded gradually: "Nay Pyi Taw, 16 March — Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Phone Swe said the ministry has proposed a budget to Pyidaungsu Hluttaw to support the elder people between 90 and 100 years old in 2015- 2016 fiscal year. He also said the ministry has not planned to give K30,000 monthly to the senior citizens between 65 and 90 years old and the disabled persons in cooperation with NGOs and INGOs, adding that the plan will be carried out year by year based on the budget allocation. Replying to the query about special programmes of citizenship cards issuing namely ?Moe Pwint Project? raised by U Thein Tun Oo of Amarapura Constituency, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Win Myint said the ministry conducted Moe Pwint Projects from level one to seven in many states and regions by using ministry?s budget for regular expenditure K417.964 million in 2013-2014 fiscal year and the assistance of respective states and regions where citizenship registration cards were issued. He also said that the ministry did not hire daily staff for the project. Later, Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw said the Hluttaw proposed the union government to set up a pension fund for the retired politicians, however, the President Office rejected the proposal as Myanmar Socialist Programme Party has been revoked in accordance with an order of the military?s State Peace and Development Council in 1988, resulting in no pension fund for the dissolved party?s members."...AMYOTHA HLUTTAW: Ministry of Electric Power to electrify villages in Seikpyu Tsp, Paletwa Tsp depending on budgets: "Nay Pyi Taw, 16 March — The Amyotha Hluttaw continued for the 27th day session, here, on Monday. U Thaw Zin Oo of Magway Region Constituency raised a question on a plan for installation of 11 KVA power line along Seikpyu, Tegyi, Myaygyandaw, Gwaybin, Hteingan, Ywathitgyi and Kethsegan villages in Seikpyu Township. Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Aung Than Oo explained that electrification for 22 villages needs to install 11KV power lines in 23 miles of total length from Seikpyu power station to Lethse village and to Pintale village in the township and 23 transformers. Governments of regions and states sought funds for construction of small sub-power stations, 11 KV power lines and 400 volt power lines in 2014- 15 fiscal year. Magway region government plans to coordinate allotment of a fund for installation of 11 KV power line in coming fiscal years..."..... OTHER DOMESTIC NEWS: KIO holds talks with President, takes new step to achieving peace...Bill Committee, students continue debate on bill amending national education law...More than 540,000 students sat Chemistry subject in matriculation exam...Internal conflicts cost lives of national brethen, says senior general...Tatmadaw launches attacks on Point 1468 hilltop seized by Kokang insurgents...Rakhine ferry sinking death toll rise to 59...Creek no longer barrier as new bridge connects villages...Infrastructure upgrades under way in Kayah State...Development project seeks to raise rural incomes...Buddha Pujaniya of Shwesaryan Pagoda draws crowds of pilgrims...Ancient monuments in Royal Mandalay City need preservation...New upper class coaches improve comfort on Yangon-Mandalay route...Sabei Housing Project introduced to media in. Aungdawmu Pagoda...Tickets for football friendly on sales on 18-19 March..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Global showcase to feature Myanmar?s traditional puppets...Thai plans to construct second border bridge near Myanmar...President U Thein Sein sends messages of felicitations to Ireland...Union FM sends message of felicitations to Ireland..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Avoid mistaking effect for cause" by Myint Win Thein..... ARTICLE: "HEAD AND HEART" by Kyi Mun