Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant asserted that his government has taken concrete steps to promote Konkani, unlike those who merely speak of Goenkarponn.
Highlighting measures introduced during his tenure, the CM said that Konkani has been made compulsory in written and oral form for candidates appearing for the SSC as well as the Goa Public Service Commission (GPSC) exams.
“Those who talk of Goenkarponn never made Konkani mandatory for jobs. It is my government which has done it,” he said.
Sawant also warned grant-in-aid schools that had sought support for teaching primary classes in Konkani but were instead conducting classes in English.
“If they continue with English as the medium of instruction in the next academic year, the government will stop their grant,” he cautioned.
Calling for sincerity in safeguarding the State’s identity, Sawant said, “It is pointless to talk about Goenkarponn and at the same time encourage another language. We must show our Goenkarponn through actions.”
The Chief Minister also took a swipe at attempts to promote Romi Konkani, saying Goans must recognize the political motives behind such moves.
“No one should use our language for their political agenda,” he added.
