Government Decision on Medium of Instruction
The issue of the choice of medium of instruction in primary schools in
Goa has been solved by the Goa Government to the satisfaction of Aam
Aadmi of the state. By deciding to give the choice of medium of
instruction - Konkani, Marathi or English - to the parents of the
students the government has done a great service to the poor and weaker
sections of Goan society who could not think of English primary
education for their children due hefty fees by private primary schools.
The decision also makes the teaching of one subject in Konkani or
Marathi compulsory from Std. I to Std X which is praiseworthy. This
decision of the government upholds the fundamental right of the citizen
of this state and hence the government led by Digamber Kamat needs to be
congratulated for taking such a progressive decision in spite of
pressure from the anti-English lobby in the state.
The Bharatya Bhaso Surokxa Manch led by Shashikala Kakodkar tried to
turn the whole agitation into a communal issue but in vain because over
50% of the parents demanding the choice of MOI belong to the majority
community of Goa. Thus it was the demand of Goans irrespective of caste,
creed and religion. Politically too this decision will boost the chances
of Congress led government to come to power in the forthcoming election.
Tomazinho Cardozo
Candolim
