Team Herald
MARGAO: The Global Konknni Forum (GKF) has advanced its campaign for official recognition of Roman-script Konkani, meeting with Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas on Tuesday to discuss the issue.
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During the meeting, GKF presented two draft Bills they hope to see tabled in the upcoming Assembly session. These Bills aim to amend the Official Language Act to include Roman-script Konkani and to introduce the script as a medium of instruction in schools.
Viegas pledged his full support, promising to advocate for the Official Language Amendment Bill and a resolution supporting Roman-script Konkani in schools during the upcoming winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly. However, he advised the GKF to secure backing from other MLAs, including opposition members, to ensure the Bills receive the broad consensus needed for passage.
Viegas also suggested that GKF establish an “All-Political Committee” to gain cross-party support for the Bills. He noted that if the BJP government does not address the Roman-script Konkani issue in this Assembly, the opposition alliance might include it in their common minimum programme for the next election.
GKF President Kennedy Afonso assured Viegas that while the forum is dedicated to promoting Roman-script Konkani, it has no political intentions. He emphasised that GKF’s mission is linguistic and cultural, focused solely on advancing the use of Roman-script Konkani.
To engage youth, Viegas proposed an essay competition in Roman-script Konkani for all schools in the Benaulim constituency. The event, to be organised with GKF’s support, aims to foster a deeper connection with the Roman script. Viegas suggested expanding the initiative to other constituencies with support from MLAs across party lines, an idea Afonso endorsed.
