The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) has strongly rejected Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s justification for refusing to introduce Romi Konkani as an optional subject in Goan schools, calling his claims “inaccurate” and “without merit.” The resolution was passed after a detailed internal review of the points raised by the Chief Minister during the recent Assembly session.
GRLA President Kennedy Afonso stated that the BJP government’s refusal to introduce Romi Konkani, despite the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) Task Force Committee, amounted to a denial of the cultural and linguistic rights of Goa’s minority communities.
The NEP Task Force had proposed the introduction of both Romi and Devanagari Konkani scripts from Standard III onwards. However, in the Assembly, the Chief Minister argued that no Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Diocesan school authority had submitted a request to implement Romi Konkani. GRLA has called this claim “false” and accused the government of lacking the political will to address the aspirations of the minority population.
In response, the organisation has resolved to reach out to all PTAs and Diocesan school authorities across Goa, urging them to pass formal resolutions in support of Romi Konkani and personally submit them to the Chief Minister.
Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Ferreira, in his address, said that Romi Konkani should be allowed to be taught in schools under the provisions of the NEP, and requested Adv Cleofato Couthino to work on the legal aspects of the matter. Ferreira said they could work together and obtain a court order directing the government to introduce Romi Konkani in Goa’s schools.
“Once the government receives these requests, there will be no excuse left to delay the introduction of Romi Konkani,” said Afonso.
The GRLA also criticised the government for failing to uphold the principles of inclusivity and representation in education.
“By rejecting the resolution, the BJP has trampled on the linguistic rights of minorities in Goa,” Afonso added.
As part of its action plan, the organisation has resolved to mobilise public support for political change in the next Assembly elections. It called upon all opposition parties to form a grand alliance to defeat the BJP, which it accused of ignoring minority voices.
Additionally, the GRLA renewed its long-standing demand for the passage of the Goa State Minorities Commission Bill in the upcoming Assembly session, aiming to institutionalise protection for minority rights in the State.
The movement reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Romi Konkani is recognised and preserved through formal education, aligning with Goa’s multicultural identity and the true spirit of the NEP.
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