Team Herald
PANJIM: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday went gaga over benefits of learning in mother tongue at primary level virtually stating, ‘come what may, we will not pass the MoI Bill.’
“Goa is ranked 19th in the country in mathematics, as I think, it is mainly because our children study in English instead of mother tongue (Konkani/Marathi),” Parrikar said.
He stated that to understand Maths or Science better at primary level the education must be in mother tongue.
Parrikar’s comments come close on the heels of the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar’s announcement of special schemes for schools imparting education in mother tongue. Parsekar had also refused to make comments on MoI Bill stating it is pending with the Select Committee.
Speaking at the inauguration of ‘Beautification of Parra Tinto’ function, at Parra, the Defence Minister said that the people of the state need to be made aware of the issue.
“Goans must understand to maintain Goenkarponn and for the pupil to understand the subjects better it is always better to learn in mother tongue at primary level,” he said adding “we have to save Goa and not become Englishman”.
Further, Parrikar also said that Goa is losing its educated youth to other states of the country.
“Education is very important and I am of the firm view it should be in mother tongue. English is important but it can be learnt at a later stage of schooling. We also need to stop the brain drain,” he said.
The MoI Bill has been referred to a Select Committee in 2014. The Committee has met just four times since then and it puts a question mark on the government’s sincerity in resolving the issue.
Besides Parrikar, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Dy CM Francis D’Souza, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo were among those present for the function.
