Renewing its long-standing demand for the recognition of Konkani in the Roman script under the Official Language Act and its formal introduction in schools across Goa, the Global Konknni Forum (GKF) criticised the State government, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, for continuing to neglect the Roman script despite its crucial role in preserving and promoting the Konkani language and culture.
Addressing a press conference in Margao, GKF demanded official recognition of Romi Script and introduction of Romi script in school education through its ‘Kodel zay vo Romi zay’ campaign in the past.
“While the government claims to have done more for Konkani in the last six years than in the previous five decades, the Forum argues that this support has been overwhelmingly skewed in favour of the Devanagari script,” stated Jose Salvador Fernandes, Secretary, GKF.
He pointed out that although the State highlights initiatives such as grants to the Dalgado Konknni Akademi, support for the Tiatr Academy, and events like the annual Mando festival, these efforts do not address the core issue of official recognition and educational inclusion.
“Roman script Konkani doesn’t need charity; it needs justice. Despite being the dominant script for Konkani in Goa for centuries—used in tiatr, literature, journalism, and religious practices—it remains excluded from the Official Language Act. We are simply asking for equal status, not preferential treatment,” said Fernandes.
The Forum emphasised that for 36 years, cultural organisations, writers, and artistes have campaigned for equal treatment of Roman script Konkani.