Anil Desai: 1. I would support education in any language including Arabic in our primary schools and govt grants for it provided there was money in the kitty. 2. I support the sizeable number of Goan parents who have no affection for regional Indian languages to get their children educated in English primary schools with government grants. I just wish this was done in a democratic manner. 3. When an organisation called FORCE led by two convicted politicians were threatening the government, I wonder whether Soter was asleep!!
Response: 1. AFAIK there is no extra burden on the exchequer. The konkani medium schools which were already getting grants will continue getting grants after swithching over to English medium. Is there a concerted misinformation/ disinformation campaign on? 2. Since when have peaceful protests/ demands become undemocratic? Perhaps in Anil's lexicon bandhs and violence unleashed by BBSM are democratic. 3. Yet another piece of disinformation/ misinformation. AFAIK, FORCE was led by parents and not politicians, even though many politicians of South Goa showed solidarity. Perhaps Anil will reveal to us who were the FORCE leaders who were convicted and for what offence and cite the cases. Regards, Marshall
