MARGAO
The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) has appealed to all Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs) in schools to pass resolutions at their upcoming meetings, urging school managements and the government to introduce Roman Script Konkani as an optional subject along with Devanagari.
GRLA convenor Kennedy Afonso said the National Education Policy (NEP) encourages multilingualism, flexibility, and gives students the choice to study subjects of their preference.
He stressed that the NEP highlights the importance of learning in one’s home language or mother tongue, as it improves understanding.
“Romi Konkani will be easier for our children to learn and will help them perform better in exams. The NEP also allows school managements to design their curriculum as per the needs of students. Based on PTA resolutions, schools and the Directorate of Education must write to the government to permit Romi Konkani in schools,” Afonso said.
He added that GRLA was compelled to approach PTAs because, in the last Assembly session, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while replying to a resolution moved by MLA Carlos Ferreira, claimed that there was no demand from PTAs or the Diocesan Educational Society.
“This is not correct. Parents have long demanded Romi Konkani, but it was ignored. The NEP Task Force Committee has clearly stated that both Devanagari and Roman scripts should be introduced from Class 3 onwards. Moreover, over 56 gram sabhas across Goa have passed resolutions seeking equal status for Roman Script along with Devanagari in schools,” he said.
