PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday ruled out any change to Goa's Official Language framework, asserting that Konkani will continue as the State language while Marathi will retain its status as a co-language.
Speaking to television news channel Prudent, Sawant said altering the existing arrangement would not be appropriate as Goa was granted Statehood on the basis of Konkani being recognised as the official language, with Marathi accorded special recognition.
“Konkani is Goa’s State language and Marathi is recognised as a co-language, as clearly stated when Goa attained Statehood,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister's remarks come amid demands from sections of the Marathi-speaking community seeking State language status for Marathi.
Sawant confirmed that he had met representatives of the community who have been protesting and pressing for a change in the language policy.
However, he made it clear that the government does not favour revisiting the language framework that was established at the time of Goa’s transition to Statehood.
“It is not proper to tinker with that position now,” the Chief Minister said.
Sawant stressed that the existing arrangement reflects the historical and constitutional basis on which Goa achieved Statehood and continues to safeguard the interests of both Konkani and Marathi speakers.
The issue of language has periodically surfaced in the State's political discourse, with various groups seeking greater recognition for Marathi.
The government, however, has maintained that Konkani remains Goa’s official language, while Marathi enjoys recognised co-language status under the prevailing legal framework.
