The demand for introduction of Romi Konkani in schools is set to echo strongly in the upcoming Assembly session, with activists and legislators pushing for its official recognition.
Photo Credits: The Goan
MARGAO
As the monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly commences on July 21, Saxttikars are looking to their elected representatives to raise pressing local issues.
From the persistent problems plaguing the district hospital, the burden on village carrying capacities, and shortcomings in basic infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity, to the long-standing grievances of tourist taxi operators and environmental concerns at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, in addition to the demand to introduce Romi Konkani in schools — people seek attention to these issues on the Assembly floor.
South Goa District Hospital
The South Goa District Hospital consistently finds mention in every Assembly session — be it regarding the controversial proposal to establish a private medical college or plans to open a nursing college. However, for the average citizen, the core issue remains unchanged: a severe shortage of hospital beds. It is not uncommon to find patients being treated in wheelchairs or stretchers due to a lack of beds. The people of Salcete and southern Goa have been insisting that the health department urgently enhance the hospital’s capacity to meet rising patient demand.
Village carrying capacity and mega housing projects
Salcete has a long history of resisting mega housing developments, particularly those driven by outside real estate interests. More than two decades since the first agitations, villagers from Varca to Betalbatim are once again raising their voices against unchecked construction. The demand for scientific studies to assess the carrying capacity of villages has grown louder, amid growing opposition to zoning changes that allow large-scale housing projects. Locals fear these developments could overwhelm village infrastructure and alter the demographic and ecological landscape.
Tourist taxi imbroglio
The coastal belt of Salcete continues to be a flashpoint for conflicts between local tourist taxi operators and out-of-state drivers. The tension has been further inflamed by the arrival of app-based taxi aggregators. In the run-up to the Assembly session, operators from both North and South Goa have met with their respective MLAs to seek support in opposing these aggregators, which they believe threaten their livelihood and the traditional taxi ecosystem.
Recognition of Konkani in Roman script
Proponents of Romi Konkani, including tiatrists, writers, activists, and ordinary citizens, are closely watching the Assembly session for developments on the long-standing demand to introduce Konkani in the Roman script as a school subject. The Global Konknni Lipi Abhiyan (GKLA) and Global Konknni Forum (GKF) have intensified their campaigns in recent weeks, lobbying both ruling and opposition MLAs.
A key moment is expected on 25 July, when Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares will table a resolution on the matter. GKLA President Kennedy Afonso has urged all 40 MLAs, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, to support this minority community's demand and ensure the preservation of the Roman script Konkani language.
Global Konknni Forum General Secretary Salvador Fernandes has also reiterated the Forum’s dual demands: official recognition of the Roman script under the Official Language Act and inclusion of Roman script Konkani in the school curriculum. He appealed to the BJP government to consider and pass these proposals during the current session.
