The bad news is that the government has found itself without enough money to complete several development projects that were scheduled in the current fiscal year due to lack of funds. But fear not, citizens of Myanmar, for one official has come up with an innovative solution to help solve the problem.
At yesterday’s parliamentary meeting, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation Aung Thu suggested that citizens contribute their tea money to help finance the shortfall.
Yes, you read that right: tea money. As in, money that people are spending on tea.
“Right now, the nation’s budget is insufficient. However, if each citizen drinks one less cup of tea per day and contributes the money that they would’ve spent on that cup of tea, they can help us fund these projects,” he said.
The proposal was shared after MP Sai Ngo Seng Hein from Shan State’s Mawkmai region asked for assistance in the construction of a wooden bridge in his constituency.
The minister explained that the plans for the ‘tea fund’ — as we’re calling it — are still being developed and that further discussions would have to be had with other authorities.
Understandably, several parliamentary members doubted the viability of the proposal.
“We have to try to use state funds more efficiently and work harder to cut costs wherever possible. Telling citizens to drink less tea won’t make a difference,” reasoned MP U Pe Than.
There was no word on how money for the tea fund would be collected or if it would be implemented or a voluntary or compulsory basis.
Considering how prevalent teashop culture is in Myanmar, we think it’s safe to say that citizens won’t be happy if this ludicrous proposal comes into effect. After all, just ask Britain what happened the last time government tried to meddle in a nation’s tea affairs.
