Rane to seek Cong’s advice on Roman script Konkani

The Congress legislative party, which met at the official residence of the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane at Altinho today postponed taking a decision on the demand made by the Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Atanasio Monseratte, who has sought amendment to the Official Language Act so as to recognise Konkani in Roman script in the act along with Devanagri.

Mr Rane told The Navhind Times that the matter has been deferred to seek the state Congress party’s advice to take a decision on this matter.

Besides, he disclosed that he had informed the CLP that the government has shortlisted two companies to remove the vessel ‘River Princess’ which has been lying grounded off Candolim-Sinquerim beach for more than six years. Financial bids have been invited from these companies, Mr Rane said and added that once formalities were completed, the contract would be awarded within two weeks.

Earlier, the CLP spokesman and Pernem MLA, Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu told reporters that the matter on recognition to Konkani in Roman script in the Official Language Act had been raised by Mr Monseratte and therefore it was discussed in the CLP meeting. He said many MLAs felt that since all the members were not present at today’s meeting, the matter should be deferred to next meeting.

Replying to a question whether Marathi would also be given equal official language status in the act, Mr Deshprabhu observed that the Congress believes that the language controversy was over and that nobody should rake it up.

Mr Deshprabhu said the CLP has unanimously supported the government on introduction of English from Standard I in primary schools of vernacular languages and congratulated the Education Minister, Mr Luizinho Faleiro. The CLP slammed the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party for kicking up a fuss on introduction of English.

“One of the opposition members sends his children to the English medium school in Margao, though he resides far away from Margao,” Mr Deshprabhu stated. He said the children of most of those who are opposing the introduction of the English are studying in English medium schools.

“We have introduced English at Class I to educate all children, so that a child can learn basic English in primary classes,” he observed.

Mr Deshprabhu said the Deputy Speaker, Ms Victoria Fernandes and the Transport Minister, Mr Pandurang Madkaikar have objected to selection of Bainguinim for garbage disposal plant and demanded withdrawal of the notification on land acquisition proceeding. However, he said the Chief Minister has assured to look into the matter.

He said the Ponda MLA and Goa Pradesh Congress committee chief, Mr Ravi Naik, the Urban Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao could not attend the meeting because they are sick and the Law Minister, Mr Dayanand Narvekar could not attend as he is out of station.