MARGAO: The Dalgado Konknni Akademi on Saturday has urged the government to bestow equal status for Romi script by amending the Official Language Act.
Akademi President Premanand Lotlikar raised the issue at the release of the Konkani book Kristanvancho Zagor at the Ravindra bhavan here on Saturday.
In his address, Lotlikar said the government has accepted many a demand put forth by the Akademi by the Parrikar-led government. He, however, said the long pending demand for equal status for Romi script remains unfulfilled. “Romi Konkani is facing discrimination since it has not received the official status till date. The script can be given due recognition by bringing about an Amendment to the Act”, he said.
Turning to the Chairman of Kala Academy, Vishnu Surya Wagh, who was the chief guest at the function, Lotlikar made a plea to Wagh to ensure that Romi script receives the recognition in the next session of the Goa Legislative Asembly.
Incidentally, Lotlikar said that the Kala Academy Chairman has promised to institute separate award for Romi Konkani literature from next year. He also thanked the Chief Minister for making provision for a spacious office for the Dalgado Konknni Akademi in Panjim and for also increasing the annual grant.
