Group Urges Congress to Back Romi Konkani Script

The *Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan* (GRLA) has approached the Congress manifesto committee, led by MP Viriato Fernandes, to press for greater recognition of Romi Konkani. A delegation headed by president Kennedy Afonso met Fernandes and submitted a memorandum detailing two central demands.

The group wants Romi Konkani to be given equal status under Goa's *Official Language Act*, alongside the Devanagari script currently privileged in official use. It has also asked that the script be introduced as an optional subject in schools, in keeping with the *New Education Policy*.

Fernandes reportedly heard out the delegation's concerns about preserving and promoting the Romi script and said he would take up the matter with the Congress Manifesto Committee. GRLA secretary Michael Gracias said the party appeared open to exploring the issue further.

Treasurer Ansh Bandekar expressed hope that Congress would seriously consider the demands and include them in its manifesto, arguing that such a move would ensure equal recognition for Konkani across its different scripts while safeguarding the Romi tradition.