Team Herald
MARGAO: The Forum for Rights of Children to Education (FORCE) has challenged Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) to an open debate at Lohia Maidan, Margao, on December 17 over the medium of instruction issue. FORCE will have a public meeting there on the same day, and a large number of parents are expected to be present.
It maybe recalled that FORCE’s last general body meeting in Margao had a record turnout, and it has held a general body meeting in North Goa and several meetings in across Goa since then.
FORCE member Savio Lopes said that he had earlier challenged BBSM members Uday Bhembre and Arvind Bhatikar to an open debate. He also criticized the manner in which they have been talking about the issue and for failing to stick to the merits of the MoI.
“They speak on religion and other biases towards English and divert the issue. Now we call Bhembre and Bhatikar for an open meeting on December 17 at Lohia Maidan to debate it with us. Let’s finish it in a single shot.”
At FORCE’s last meeting, Bhembre, Bhatikar and Shashikala Bhatikar were the focus of heavy criticism and they were not only challenged for a debate at Lohia Maidan, but also condemned for trying to divide the people based on religion and caste.
Savio said that they were ready to take discuss threadbare the merits of having English as the medium of instruction. He also reiterated that it was the right of the parents to decide and that choice cannot be deprived.
FORCE has said that it is hopeful that the government will be fulfilling its promise in the Assembly session in January.
“I hope that the government keeps its promise, which it made in front of thousands of people at Azad Maidan, Panjim, when I was sitting on a fast for the demands of the people,” said Lopes, adding, “For five years we have been fighting for English as the medium of instruction. The government had taken a cabinet decision that was in sync with our demands. However, the bill that was prepared was contrary to the cabinet decision, which we want changed.”
It is to be noted that that parents across Goa had come on the streets to protest during the Savio’s hunger strike. He recalled that the government had been given four years to fulfil their demands. He pointed out that parents were fed up of listening to excuses and cannot be asked to wait any longer.
Savio also responded to recent speculation that he has plans to contest the 2017 Assembly. He categorically termed it as false and said that he had no such plans. He added that he was only concentrating on the agitation that parents have started for the rights of their children.
