Govt offices may go Konkani from Oct 1 18 Sep 2008, 0049 hrs IST, Raju Nayak,TNN
PANAJI: Four years after it was set up and two years after its last meeting, the directorate of official language is all set to meet on September 26 to press for a stricter implementation of a 21-year-old Act that makes Konkani the state language. Its decisions are expected to be implemented from October 1, say directorate officials referring to a written communication issued to members. Despite its enactment, the implementation of the Official Language Act - dogged by controversies over the issue of script (devnagiri and Romi or Roman) - has so far been restricted to employment to government jobs alone where candidates have to compulsorily know Konkani. The Directorate, set up in 2004, advises the government on the implementation of the Act. As the chief minister is the chairman of the directorate, its decisions are often binding on the government. Top directorate officials told TOI that on anvil is the appointment of Raj Bhasha officials to offices that are in constant touch with the public, including municipal councils. These officials would make interactions with the public and departments smoother, said sources. Another point to be discussed at the meeting would be the addition of Konkani translations to most communications between government departments. As of now, most official communication is in English, said officials. "Government employees will also be allowed to apply for leave and reply to queries in Konkani," said sources. And while proficiency in Konkani would be sought from every government employee, IAS officers, many from out of Goa, would also be urged to learn Konkani, said officials. "They will be provided with training and a special scheme will be formulated for this purpose," officials told TOI. The most important factor, said officials, is that the directorate will not insist on any particular script of Konkani. "Script should not become a barrier for language development," says a communication sent by the directorate to its members. Reacting to the scheduled meeting, convenor of the Konkani Prazecho Avaz, Pundalik Naik, said that incentives needed to be given to state employees to use Konkani in their communications. "The central government still gives incentives to its employees for using Hindi," said Naik. He further wanted Konkani to be made compulsory for all employment purposes in government as well as private establishments who need government support. "People will support the language Act only if it is implemented for employment," Naik said. On anvil at the meeting is also, the publication of the official gazette in Konkani and the printing of office and name boards - usually in English and Hindi - in Konkani and Marathi, officials said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/Govt_offices_may_go_Konkani_from_ Oct_1/articleshow/3495886.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino