Introduce Konkani in PU, degree: MLC

MANGALURU: MLC Ivan D'Souza brought to the notice of the Legislative Council that Konkani has not been introduced in PUC and degree courses and the syllabus submitted to the department of pre-university education has not been considered.
D'Souza asked the council to take initiatives to establish Konkani Study Chairs in all universities of the state. During zero hour, D'Souza asked for permission from the council to speak in Konkani.However, the permission was not granted due to lack of translators.
"Over 15 lakh people, who belong to Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities, speak the language. However, it suffers a setback as it is limited to coastal districts. Government must introduce Konkani as third language in all primary and high schools across state," said %D'Souza. About 22 years ago, the state government established Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy that framed Konkani curriculum for primary high schools in 2007. At present, nearly 1,500 children in coastal districts are studying Konkani as third language. In 2012, it was introduced in SSLC as third language and 206 students successfully completed the course, he said.
St Aloysius College, Rosario First Grade College, Padua First Grade College and Pompei First Grade College under Mangalore University introduced Konkani for degree courses as optional language in 2014-15.
Nearly 150 students opted for the language in four colleges. However, there is no Konkani option at PU level. and it poses an obstacle for children to continue Konkani studies. Memorandum with two types of Konkani syllabus was submitted to PU education department, but no action has been initiated, D'Souza informed. "Leader of the house, S R Patil, promised me to seek information from the department and an answer will be given in 30 days," said D'Souza.