PANAJI
Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) has presented a manifesto in the context of the Konkani language to all political parties in Goa asking them to take the necessary action in strengthening the language if and when they come to power.
“KBM will closely monitor the new government and see that these suggestions are implemented,” said Anwesha Singbal, president of KBM.
No political party should overlook the importance of protecting our culture and mother tongue. We should prioritise the official State language because we are an independent State today because of the Konkani language, so the government must be dedicated to the cause of protecting the language, said the KBM president.
The KBM has offered some suggestions to the future governing party and listed a few factors.
Stating that as per the Official Language Act of Goa which was implemented by the Goa government on February 4, 1987, the Konkani language was proclaimed the official language of the State and therefore the government formalities and day-to-day dealings should take place in Konkani, demanded KBM.
Stating that the government has taken steps towards protecting and promoting the official language but these efforts have fallen short, KBM demanded that the Official Language Act should not be altered or tampered with.
The schemes of the Directorate of Official Language of Goa must be implemented on a priority basis. The communication between various government offices should be in Konkani and the administrative duties must be in Konkani.
Government schemes, nameplates, names of roads and various other names and titles should be in the Konkani language. Officers that hold the post of IAS and IPS should receive Konkani training.
