Team Herald
PANJIM: In further encouragement to the Marathi language, the cabinet on Thursday granted its nod for setting up a Goa Marathi Academy, thereby withdrawing government grants being given to the existing Gomantak Marathi Academy.
Speaking to media persons, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the Gomantak Marathi Academy set up to promote and encourage Marathi language, has failed in its purpose, thereby forcing the government to set up a new Goa Marathi Academy.
“The Academy, to be headed by Prof Anil Samant, will be released government grants soon,” he said.
The fallout between the Gomantak Marathi Academy and the government had occurred in 2013, after the executive members refused to amend the academy’s constitution – a demand made by several Marathi lovers.
The six-member inquiry committee, headed by St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh was then constituted to look into the academy’s affairs. “The committee was of the view that the academy has not served its purpose and despite directives, has not opened up membership to larger sections,” Parsekar said.
The committee had suggested a revamp of the academy’s constitution to encourage transparency and better promotion of the Marathi language.
Another recommendation was that the academy open its core membership, which is restricted to 60, to larger sections of Marathi lovers.
