MARGAO: Experimentation continues with cabinet approval for the Department of Official Language to replace translators with researchers in Konkani- but the publication of the Official Gazette in Konkani and effective implementation of the Official Language Act remain a distant dream, stated Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.
Referring to the cabinet approval to set up a Konkani Research Centre in the Department of Official Language, Yuri slammed the Government for its failure to implement the official language. “This government is obsessed with making new announcements and gaining publicity, but in reality, nothing productive is happening,” he said.
He further said that the Official Language Department has miserably failed to promote Konkani in administration. With the latest decision of the government, the post of translator stands scrapped. “I completely support the views of acclaimed Konkani Writer Adv. Uday Bhembre, who has said that research work should come under the domain of the Education Department, and Goa University is the appropriate forum to conduct research in Konkani,” he added.
Yuri said that a reply was given in the last Assembly session that three translators are assigned by the Official Language Department to the Department of Printing and Stationery for the translation of the Official Gazette. He questioned the government’s reliance on Konkani translators while the Official Gazette continues to be published in English. Yuri urged the government to conduct workshops to enhance the language skills of the officials.
