MARGAO: The Global Konknni Forum (GKF) has strongly condemned the statements made by ministers like Babush Monserrate on the issue of official recognition for the Roman script in the Official Language Act and issued a stern warning by asking them to address the matter with responsibility and refrain from making further comments on the subject.
“As long as Goans are alive, they will never give up their fight against the injustice faced by the Roman script,” Kennedy Afonso, President of the Global Konkani Forum (GKF), declared.
The Global Konknni Forum (GKF) has announced that it has escalated the issue to both the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India and the Supreme Court. They are seeking justice and are committed to advocating for the official recognition of the Roman script in the Official Language Act. The GKF has pledged to continue their fight until their demands are met.
At a press conference, Afonso, along with Jose Salvador Fernandes – GKF Secretary, Xavier Mascarenhas – Vice-President, and Mario Pereira – Vice-President, made a resolute statement. They declared that the GKF is determined to win the battle for Roman script recognition, regardless of whether political leaders like to offer their support.
The GKF has reiterated its position, clarifying that their advocacy is not against Devnagari or Marathi. Instead, they emphasise the need for the Konkani language to advance with proper recognition of the Roman script. The Roman script, they argued, has played a crucial role in the Konkani agitation and should be acknowledged for its historical significance.
Thanking the people across Goa for their support, Afonso announced that resolutions in favour of the movement had been passed at various gram sabhas. He informed that all the panchayats would now be sending formal requests to the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
“However, while the ‘Porza’ (public) is demanding equal status for the Roman script, it is shameful to see that some ‘Rajas’ (MLAs) from the linguistic minorities community show no respect for the aspirations of their constituencies,” he stated.
“Despite resolutions being passed across almost all of Goa, these elected representatives remain indifferent to the people’s demands.”
Afonso further stated that “the Global Konknni Forum would like to remind Minister Babush Monserrate that the issue of the Roman script is far from resolved”. He emphasised that 95 per cent of Roman script supporters have not accepted Devanagari as the official script of Konkani.
“GKF would like to assure you that the people of Goa will not rest until the Roman script gets its rightful place in the Official Language Act,” said Afonso. “Many MLAs, especially those from the Linguistic Minorities, will find themselves out of office in the next elections over this issue,” he added.
Roman v/s DevAnagari: Opposition say YES, but some ruling members say NO to Roman script
PORVORIM: Members of ruling and Opposition parties gave opposing statements over inclusion of Konkani in Roman script in the Official Language Act.
Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate said that the issue of equal status for Konkani in Roman script was dead since long and it was already decided that Konkani in Devnagari is the official language of the State and that Marathi will be utilised for all official purposes. Some people are unnecessarily raking up the language issue, he said.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude said it was a big issue. “We are living peacefully and harmoniously in the State. A small issue is trying to divert the attention of the people. We have to sit and resolve it amicably,” said Gaude.
On the other hand, the Opposition members have strongly supported due recognition to Konkani in Roman script and giving equal status to both, Devnagari and Romi script in the Official Language Act.
“We wish to support this movement so that we remain all by ourselves and not be influenced by external forces,” Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira said.
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa said, “Many village panchayat gram sabhas have passed resolutions demanding recognition of Konkani in Roman script. Our stand is also the same. People are demanding it. We will have to see what is stand of the government.”
However, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that it was a subject matter of the House and that he cannot discuss it outside.
