CM to examine Konkani script controversy soon

Panaji, Aug 25(UNI) Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat tonight said he would resolve controversy encircling the script for the Konkani official language, with a section of the public demanding recognition to the language in Roman script in addition to Devnagari.

The Chief Minister stated this while addressing the Goa Legislative Assembly.

Replying to a debate on budget demand for official language in the House, the Chief Minister said he would call a meeting of all stakeholders, including legislators, to thrash out a solution, which had been eluding for long.

He, however, did not concur with the suggestion of Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar for holding a ''special in camera session'' of the House to discuss the issue threadbare.

Several members pointed out that the Roman script had been recognised in Bihar, Mizoram, Nagaland and West Bengal in addition to the original script and the seame practice should be allowed in Goa, too.

The Church had been demanding recognition to Konkani written in the Roman script as it had been in vogue since Portuguese time.

Several legislators, including PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, have been demanding the same for long. He had even spearheaded a movement on the issue before he joined the Congress.

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