Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Critiques Opposition's Push for Romi Konkani Script Inclusion

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has dismissed the opposition's demand for including Romi Konkani in the Official Language Act as politically motivated, urging Konkani speakers to remain vigilant against confusion.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant criticised demands to include the Romi Konkani script in the Official Language Act. Speaking in Sankhalim, he described these calls as politically driven. Sawant urged Konkani enthusiasts to resist such agendas. He stated that some groups are pushing for Romi Konkani's inclusion as an official language and its use in primary schools, which he believes confuses Konkani speakers.

The demand for Romi Konkani, written in Roman script, to be recognised officially has gained support from the Opposition Congress and the Goa Forward Party. Sawant reiterated his stance in the legislative assembly, emphasising that only Konkani in the Devanagari script should be Goa's official language. He stressed the importance of preserving this script for future generations, despite facing criticism for his position.

Political Motivations Behind Language Demands

Sawant highlighted that some parties speak of "Goenkarponn" or Goanness while promoting other languages. He urged Goans to discern the true intentions behind such actions. According to him, language should not be used for political gains. The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act of 1987 designates Konkani in Devanagari as Goa's sole official language.

This Act, passed by the Goa Legislative Assembly in 1987, also permits Marathi for official purposes. Sawant mentioned that the BJP-led government has made Konkani mandatory in written and spoken forms for exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission and Goa Public Service Commission. This move ensures that only Goan youths qualify for these exams.

Sawant's comments come amid ongoing debates about language recognition in Goa. The push for Romi Konkani's inclusion has sparked discussions about cultural identity and political motives. As these conversations continue, Sawant remains firm on maintaining Devanagari-scripted Konkani as the state's official language.

With inputs from PTI