Acceptance of contribution: MoI UM accepted contribution for the staff of Ministry

Union Minister Dr. Charlie Than, on April 22, accepted a contribution, which included rice, cooking oil, duck eggs, coffee mix, and soap, donated by retired Union Minister U Maung Myint in response to the powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on March 28, and caused damage to staff and their families of the Ministry of Industry, at Office No. (30) of the Ministry in Nay Pyi Taw and a certificate of honor presented in return.

Following the donation, a New Year gathering with ministry staff was held in the meeting hall. The event was attended by the Union Minister, Deputy Minister, senior departmental officials, and ministry staff. Before the event officially began, a one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of staff and civilians who lost their lives. During his speech, the Union Minister offered New Year wishes to all attending officials and staff, hoping they would enjoy happiness and peace in the year ahead.

He explained that the gathering was taking place in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake on March 28, which caused significant destruction not only in Nay Pyi Taw, but also in Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, and Shan State. Among the Ministry of Industry's 13,520 staff, 9 staff members and 5 dependents died, totaling 14 deaths, and 46 staff and 5 dependents were injured, totaling 51 injuries. From the day of the earthquake, the ministry’s management team had been coordinating efforts to support affected staff with shelter, food, and drinking water etc.

The Deputy Minister also provided updates on ongoing preparations to provide proper shelter for affected staff, the resumption of factory operations and production activities, and the fair distribution of relief supplies. Departmental heads and directors general reported on the daily actions taken since the earthquake.

The Permanent Secretary shared updates on how donations, including food, household goods, and cash, had been distributed properly and systematically to the staff. In relation to these updates, discussions were held and decisions were made to expedite the construction of temporary shelters for the remaining staff in need of housing, as well as to ensure the provision of water and electricity, construction of toilets, and sanitation around the temporary buildings. The Union Minister concluded the meeting with closing remarks.