MoI issue: BBSM to intensify agitation

Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi, Kaliyug Varsha 5113

Photo : The convener of BBSM, Ms Shashikala Kakodkar, along with the activists and supporters, burning the controversial circular of the department of education (DoE) pertaining to the provision of grants to the English medium primary schools at Azad Maidan, Panaji.

Panaji (Goa): The Bhartiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) convenor, Ms Shashikala Kakodkar, on Saturday, burnt the controversial circular of the department of education (DoE) pertaining to the provision of grants to the English medium primary schools, at Azad Maidan.

The circular was issued on June 10 and managements of the government/ government aided/ private unaided, primary/ middle/ secondary schools had been requested to communicate their willingness for the scheme envisaged in the circular, along with the proforma attached mentioning about the choice of the parents to be submitted to the DoE by June 23, 2011.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Kakodkar said that the circular has been issued in haste, without any consideration for Marathi and Konkani languages. “The government, by issuing the particular circular has also shown that it has a scant respect for the public opinion,” she remarked, pointing out that majority of Goans had shown opposition to the particular government decision on June 6 by observing Goa bandh, but the government has turned blind eye to the same.

The BBSM convenor also said that the BBSM will intensify its agitation against the absurd government decision, which will have disastrous effect on the future of Goa’s new generations.

“We will be entering into the second phase of our agitation from June 18, the Revolution day,” she informed.

The BBSM co-ordinator, Mr Subhash Velingkar; Konkani poet, Nagesh Karmali; and Mr Subhash Desai were present on the occasion.   One of the BBSM members, Mr Vilas Palkar said that the current Goan government is no different from the erstwhile Portuguese rulers, who ruled over Goa for 450 years.

“It does not understand the public sentiments as regards the languages and culture of the region, and is rather forcing its decision down the throat of Goans,” Mr Palkar added.

The police sub-inspector, Mr Shagun Sawant said that the demonstration, in general was peaceful.

Source: Navhind Times