English education demanded in Goa schools

Panaji, May 29 (UNI) Certain liguistic groups from Goa have demanded introduction of English education in all schools instead of Konkani, the use of which has declined.

The Christian community, which comprises about 30 per cent of the Goan population, has, meanwhile, objected to seeking ''minority status certificate'' from the government before opening an educational institution in Goa.

These were some of the issues which were placed before the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities, headed by Justice Ranganath Mishra, which met here for two days.

Dr Tahir Mahmood, a member of the Commission, told reporters here today that the suggestions would be brought to the notice of the GOvernment.

The four-member Commission, appointed in October 2004, started functioning from April 2005 with a mandate to suggest to the Centre criteria for identifying socially and economically backward classes among the religious and linguistic minorities in the country.

Besides, the Commission will suggest measures for their welfare and modalities for implementing these measures which may be legislative and administrative, Dr Mahmood said. Justice Mishra and the other members, Dr Anil Wilson and Ms Asha Das (secretary), were also present on the occasion.

The Commission has completed eliciting public opinion in all states excepting Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is expected to submit its final recommendations to the Centre by end of October.

The Commission, Dr Mahmood said, was of the opinion that ''minority status'' should be determined at the state level. ''It is a tactic to deny educational right,'' he observed. The Christian community in Goa had no other grievance apart from this issue, he said.

The Jains and Muslims also made representations before the Commission. Shortage of Urdu teachers in schools was one of the complaints.

''We are happy with Goa which is peace loving, has a low poverty rate and a high level of literacy,'' the Commission noted.

The demand for constitution of a state-level minorities commission was being looked into by the State administration, Dr Mahmood informed.

UNI BM MAZ LR RK2141