KONKANI PROTAGONISTS WANTS SIGN BOARDS IN KONKANI ONLY AND NOT MARATHI

PANJIM: Another language row appears to be brewing over the proposed display of signboards in Konkani and Marathi from December 19, 2010, as Konkani protagonists feel it is not really required as use of single language can serve the purpose.

The Directorate of Official Language has decided to include Konkani and Marathi, in addition to English, on all road names and street-side instructions as part of implementation of the Official Language Act.

But votaries of Konkani argue that it is not necessary to have signages in both languages. "We will oppose the use of dual language tooth and nail," Serafino Cota, convenor of Konkani Ekvott, an umbrella organization of several bodies, including Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM), said. "We are not against the use of Marathi, but feel it is not required on signboards," he added.

Agreed Prashant Naik, KBM president, "Addition of Konkani signage along with English serves the purpose," he said. Signboards in English cater to international tourists' and Konkani signages in Devnagri can help others, who cannot follow English, including Marathi readers.

But sources in the Marathi camp, who have welcomed the development, say the order flows from a provision in the Act. "We are not opposed to Konkani which is the official language, but Marathi enjoys equal status," Mahadev Gawandi, secretary, Gomantak Marathi Academy (GMA) said.

Pointing out that Marathi is used for correspondence, he said it has a large readership, too. But Uday Bhembre, who headed a sub-committee constituted by the directorate's advisory board to prepare a report on implementation of official language, said Marathi does get its due in cultural and religious traditions, dramas, kirtans and bhajans. "Its use on signboards was not needed," he said.

But Gurudas Sawal, a GMA member, said the government's decision vindicates their stand. "Though Konkani is the official language, Marathi also enjoys equal status," he said.

The panel headed by Bhembre had proposed five notifications, recommending use of Konkani, among other usages, on all government signboards.   "We know that the law department had vetted and approved it as well as advisory board and the government," he said. But Konkani activists were surprised by the addition of Marathi in the official gazette on November 4, 2010.

However, G D Padgaonkar, director, Directorate of Official Language, claimed that some members had objected to the exclusion of Marathi. "It was also done because there is a provision in the Act," he said.

Konkani leaders lamented that it is tantamount to overturning efforts of all Konkani leaders to unite Konkanis under one script. Tomazinho Cardozo said only Konkani should be used for signages. "I had signed the report as a panelmember on condition that if dual languages were to be used, then Konkani in Roman script be also included," he said. (TNN)