Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 12: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ruled out any change to the state's existing Official Language framework, asserting that Konkani will continue as Goa's official language while Marathi will retain its status as a co-language.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Sawant said altering the existing arrangement would not be appropriate as Goa attained Statehood with Konkani recognised as the official language and Marathi accorded special recognition.

“Konkani is Goa’s State language and Marathi is recognised as a co-language, as clearly stated when Goa attained Statehood,” Sawant said.

His remarks came amid demands from sections of the Marathi-speaking community seeking state language status for Marathi. Sawant confirmed that he had met representatives of the community who have been protesting and pressing for changes to the existing language policy.

However, the Chief Minister made it clear that the government was not in favour of revisiting the language framework established when Goa attained Statehood.

“It is not proper to tinker with that position now,” Sawant said.

He stressed that the existing arrangement reflects the historical and constitutional basis on which Goa achieved Statehood and continues to safeguard the interests of both Konkani- and Marathi-speaking communities.

The language issue has periodically figured in Goa's political discourse, with various groups seeking greater recognition for Marathi. The government, however, has maintained that Konkani remains the official language of Goa, while Marathi continues to enjoy recognised co-language status under the prevailing legal framework.