Tag: Official Language

Books & Literature

Zilu Gaonkar Urges Citizens to Use Govt Schemes and Promote Konkani Language

Tanisha Cardozo

Konkani writer, publisher, and teacher Zilu Gaonkar made a compelling appeal for citizens to adopt Konkani in their day-to-day lives and correspondence while encouraging greater awareness and use of government-supported language schemes. Speaking at a special Seva Pakhwada awareness program held at Government College, Khandola, he emphasized that the Directorate of Official Language provides Konkani language training for government employees and that it is now time for the public to follow suit by promoting and preserving the language through daily use.

The event was organized by the Directorate of Official Language in collaboration with the college and aimed to spread awareness of various language development schemes under the guidance of Goa’s Chief Minister and Minister for Official Language, Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Dr. Seema Salgaonkar, Vice Principal of Government College, welcomed the gathering and noted that preserving our mother tongue is a responsibility that lies with each of us. Meghnath Parab, Director of the Directorate of Official Language, cited the example of Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a distinguished figure from Mashel who received his early education in his mother tongue and went on to achieve national prominence.

Deputy Director Anil Sawant provided detailed insights into key schemes run by the department including “Amcho Gãv, Amchi Parampara, Ani Amchem Daiz” (Our Village, Our Traditions, and Our Heritage), the Language Development Scheme, and the Language Awards Scheme.

Senior Translator Seby Fernandes discussed the opportunities available in language-related careers in India and explained the work being done at the Directorate. Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis highlighted efforts in terminology creation and the translation of knowledge-based books into Konkani, making academic and professional content more accessible in the regional language.

Anil Sawant also expressed his thanks to all participants and attendees. The event was anchored by Konkani Professor Kiran Palkar and Hindi Professor Sachi Naik, with a large presence of students, faculty members, and parents — showing that language revival and promotion remain a shared concern across generations.

Finance

Bank of Baroda Wins First Prize in Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for Excellence in Official Language Use

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Bank of Baroda, one of India’s foremost public sector banks, has been honoured with the First Prize under the Government of India’s prestigious Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar scheme for the year 2024–2025. This award recognises the bank’s exceptional contribution to the promotion and effective use of Hindi as the official language across its services and operations.

The award ceremony took place on 14 September 2025, during the Hindi Day celebration and the Fifth All India Official Language Conference held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. The honour was conferred by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah.

Accepting the award on behalf of the bank was Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda. He was accompanied by Executive Director Ms. Beena Vaheed and Mr. Sanjay Singh, Head of Official Language and Parliamentary Committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Chand expressed the bank’s commitment to inclusivity through language. “This award reflects the bank’s sensitivity towards its millions of customers who interact in Hindi and other Indian languages and feel more comfortable availing banking services in their native languages,” he said.

Bank of Baroda has significantly expanded its multilingual capabilities across its digital platforms, including its flagship mobile banking app BoB World and WhatsApp Banking services. The bank also ensures that transaction-related SMS, chatbot conversations, and customer support are accessible in Indian languages, fostering a more inclusive and user-friendly banking environment.

The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar is one of the highest honours awarded by the Government of India to institutions for outstanding performance in implementing the official language policy. This recognition positions Bank of Baroda not only as a leader in banking services but also as a pioneer in promoting linguistic inclusion in the financial sector.

With this award, Bank of Baroda reinforces its commitment to enhancing customer experience by speaking the language of its people – both literally and technologically.

Events in Goa

Konkani Language Training Gains Momentum Among Government Staff in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Official Language, Goa, inaugurated the sixth batch of its Official Language in Administration training program today in Margao. A total of 26 government employees from various departments are participating in the four-day training, which is designed to improve the use of Konkani—the state’s official language—in administrative work.

The training focuses on core areas such as basic Konkani grammar, official correspondence, administrative vocabulary, noting in Konkani, and practical conversation for day-to-day functioning in government offices. Conducted in an immersive, classroom-style format, the program is part of the government’s larger effort to integrate the use of Konkani in formal communication and governance.

Speaking at the event, Salcete Mamlatdar Gaurav Gaonkar emphasized the importance of language in identity and public service. “We learn regional languages in school but rarely use our mother language or official language when working in government. Government employees will benefit from Konkani training,” he said.

The initiative has seen consistent participation, reflecting growing awareness and willingness among government employees to adopt Konkani in their professional roles. With the sixth batch underway, the Directorate has also announced that the seventh and eighth batches of training will begin shortly. The seventh batch will commence on 16th September and the eighth batch on 22nd September. Both sessions will be held at the Language Research Centre, Directorate of Official Language, located on the 5th floor of Junta House in Panaji. Each session will run from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

This program is a significant step toward the normalization of Konkani in government administration, aligning policy with cultural and linguistic identity. The Directorate aims to empower public servants with the tools and confidence to use Konkani effectively in their official capacities, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility in governance.

EduConnect

Official Language Training Begins in Goa to Promote Konkani in Administration

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Official Languages, Government of Goa, has commenced its fourth batch of Official Language Training aimed at encouraging the use of Konkani in government administration. The inaugural session was held on 8 September 2025 at EDC, Panaji, and will run until 11 September. The training was inaugurated by Dr. Veena Kumar, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, who served as the chief guest for the event.

In her address, Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of one’s mother tongue and called upon government officials to not only understand its value but also to actively use it in administrative communication. “Everyone should be proud of their language and make maximum use of the official language in administration,” she stated.

The event was attended by Meghnath Parab, Director of Official Languages, along with Deputy Director and Chief Coordinator of the training, Anil Sawant. A total of 29 government employees are taking part in this particular batch.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Directorate to ensure the widespread and effective use of Konkani in government correspondence and operations. The training modules include instruction on the Konkani Official Language Act, fundamental grammar, and the use of the language in formal communication such as letters, orders, notifications, receipts, and note writing. Additionally, participants are introduced to commonly used administrative terms, departmental titles, and standard replies.

Earlier, three training batches were successfully conducted in August. For September, five more training sessions are planned across Panaji and Madgaon, with each batch accommodating up to 30 participants.

Meanwhile, organizers have announced a change in venue for the session scheduled from 9 to 12 September 2025. Originally set to take place at the District Collector’s Office in Madgaon, the training will now be conducted at the District Library in Naveli, Sasht. Participants have been requested to make a note of this update.

This initiative reflects the Government of Goa’s continued efforts to preserve and promote Konkani as the official language while modernizing administrative processes through language training and awareness.

EduConnect

Over 8,000 Central Govt Jobs in Goa Linked to Konkani Language Status: Sandesh Prabhudesai

Tanisha Cardozo

In a compelling address at the 33rd Rashtramanyatai Dis held at S S Angle Higher Secondary School, Mashem, Canacona, veteran journalist and researcher Sandesh Prabhudesai brought to light a significant but overlooked employment opportunity for the youth of Goa: more than 8,000 central government and bank jobs that remain unutilized, despite being accessible under existing language policies due to Konkani’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Prabhudesai pointed out that once a language is listed in the Eighth Schedule, the three-language formula (Hindi, English, and the regional language) comes into effect for public-facing roles in central institutions. In Goa, this should mean that any central or public-sector job that involves interaction with the public — from post offices to banks — requires proficiency in Konkani, and such staff cannot be transferred outside the state.

He cited the President’s Order of 1960, which mandates that all signage, publications, and public communications in central offices and banks must be in Hindi, English, and the regional language — Konkani in Goa’s case. “This rule is followed all over India, but not in Goa. Our youth have lost 33 years of job opportunities because the state government has failed to implement this,” Prabhudesai remarked.

He further explained that under the Official Language Resolution of 1968, the Parliament has required that all laws, rules, orders, and circulars be translated into the regional language. This not only enhances accessibility and inclusivity but could also create hundreds of translator jobs, especially with national publishers like the National Book Trust, who are mandated to translate literature into scheduled languages.

Goa has close to 1,000 such establishments, including 42 central and semi-government institutions, 258 post offices, and nearly 700 bank branches. Prabhudesai emphasized that even training and examinations for such posts should be conducted in Konkani to ensure fair access for local candidates.

He concluded by calling out the Goa government for its long-standing inaction, urging them to leverage these constitutionally backed provisions to create meaningful employment and linguistic justice for Goan youth.

The event was organized by Kankon Konkani Kala Kendra and S S Angle Higher Secondary School, with Principal Hemant Kamat welcoming the guests. Suraj Komarpant, Secretary of KKKK, introduced the speaker. Abhijeet Pagi, a Konkani teacher, also addressed the gathering, and veteran Konkani writer Kamalakar Mhalshi delivered the vote of thanks.