Members of Dalgado Konknni Akademi and Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan addressing a news conference in Panaji. Photo Manuel Vaz
Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA) along with Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) have demanded that Romi Konkani be introduced in schools as an optional subject.
Further, both organisations have demanded that the Goa State Minority Commission be established in the State.
Addressing reporters in Panaji on Monday, GRLA President Kennedy Afonso opined that it was due to the usage of Romi Konkani that Konkani survived the 450 years of Portuguese rule in the State.
Afonso said that they have met the Opposition as well as ruling MLAs and they have extended their support as Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira has moved a private members resolution which will be taken up on July 25 in the Assembly.
"We are hopeful that the resolution would be approved in the Assembly which will pave way for the progress of the Romi script which has suffered injustice for decades," Afonso added while outlining the other demand of establishment of a Minority Commission for Goa.
"Then chief minister late Manohar Parrikar had tabled a Bill to set up a minority commission in 2012 but it was referred to a select committee and was never implemented. This Assembly, Adv. Ferreira has submitted a fresh Bill on the issue and we appeal to all MLAs to pass the Bill as it is the need of the hour," he said.
DKA President Celso Fernandes also demanded that both the resolution of introducing Romi Konkani in schools and the Bill to establish a Minority Commission be passed in this Assembly.
The Speakers further said that the resolution to introduce Romi Konkani in schools can be approved without touching the Official Language Act.
Further, DKA has said that they will extend full support to train teachers in Romi Konkani.
DKA member Vincy Quadros, GRLA members Michael Gracias, Mathew Almeida and Fraser Colaco also spoke on the demands.
