Recently there was an advertisement for the post of assistant professor in Special Education for the Sanjay Centre for Special Education, Goa. Under “Essential Requirements,” educational qualifications are mentioned while under “Desirable,” are listed “At least 2 years’ experience and “Knowledge of Marathi” but there is no mention of Konkani. As per the Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 Konkani in the Devanagari script is the sole official language of Goa, and that Marathi may also be used “for all or any of the official purposes.” Why this step-motherly treatment to Konkani by the advertisers? The above vacancy announcement is just an example.
