Over 8,000 central government and bank jobs meant for Goan youth remain out of reach because the State government has failed to enforce Konkani’s status in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, alleged journalist and researcher Sandesh Prabhudesai.
Speaking at the 33rd Rashtramanyatai Dis at S S Angle Higher Secondary School, Mashem, Canacona, Prabhudesai said the three-language formula — Hindi, English and the regional official language — applies once a language is in the Eighth Schedule. “Employees dealing with the public must know Konkani. They cannot be transferred outside Goa,” he stated.
Citing the President’s Order of 1960, he pointed out that all signboards, publications and publicity material in central offices and banks must be in Hindi, English and Konkani. “This policy is followed across India, but unfortunately not in Goa. Our youth have lost opportunities for 33 years because the State government is sleeping over it,” he charged.
Prabhudesai further highlighted that the Official Language Resolution of 1968, passed by Parliament, and 250 circulars issued by the Ministry of Official Language, mandate all laws, acts, orders, circulars and official documents to be translated into Konkani. “This alone could create hundreds of translator jobs, even for literature published by the National Book Trust,” he said.
Goa has around 1,000 such offices, including 42 central and semi-government establishments, 258 post offices and nearly 700 bank branches. “Even their question papers should be set in Konkani. Training must also be conducted in the local language,” Prabhudesai stressed.
The lecture was organised by Kankon Konkani Kala Kendra and S S Angle HSS. Principal Hemant Kamat welcomed the gathering, Suraj Komarpant, Secretary of KKKK, introduced the speaker, Konkani teacher Abhijeet Pagi addressed participants, and veteran Konkani writer Kamalakar Mhalshi proposed the vote of thanks.
This policy is followed across India, but unfortunately not in Goa. Our youth have lost opportunities for 33 years because the State government is sleeping over it
– Sandesh P