Team Herald
MARGAO: Romi Script enthusiasts have resolved to expand their movement to the village level, furthering its reach and impact across Goa.
The resolution was made at a meeting convened by the Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan at the Holy Spirit Church Hall. The meeting focused on mapping a way forward for the Roman Script movement, with an emphasis on uniting all Konkani associations.
Kennedy Afonso, President of the Global Konkani Forum, stressed the importance of uniting all Konkani associations to strengthen the movement's efforts.
Anthony Silva highlighted the need to introduce Romi Konkani in schools, urging the Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan to lead a sustained battle for this educational reform.
Wilson Mazarello emphasised the need for all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to table the Official Language Amendment Bill in the next Assembly session, aiming to bring justice to the Romi Script.
Avinash Tavares expressed concerns over the government's decision to conduct exams only in Devanagari, arguing that it discriminates against government job applicants from the minority community, placing them at a disadvantage.
Michael Gracias called for the government to pass the bill to establish the Goa State Minorities Commission in the next Assembly session, stressing the importance of protecting the rights of minority communities in the state.
The meeting concluded with the passing of several key resolutions: a push for MLAs to introduce the Official Language Amendment Bill in the upcoming Budget session, granting equal status to Roman Script Konkani alongside Devanagari; a sustained effort to ensure the inclusion of Roman Script Konkani in schools, in line with the National Education Policy; and a call for the establishment of the Goa State Minorities Commission in the next Assembly session.
Additionally, it was decided to hold the Maha Sabha in Goa with the participation of all five script associations, further uniting the movement for the cause of Romi Script Konkani.