Panaji: The opponents of grant of recognition to English as a medium of instruction (MOI) in the state-aided primary schools on Monday threatened to step up the agitation.
"We will boycott and protest at all the government functions where ministers and legislators from ruling camp are present....We may even forcibly disrupt functions," said
Pundalik Naik, a veteran writer and leader of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM), at a press conference here today.
The state's decision to grant recognition to English as an MOI along with Konkani and Marathi has met with howls of protest. Those opposed to the decision fear that it will lead to demise of Marathi/Konkani medium schools.
Several people were arrested on the Goa Revolution Day as they staged protests during the government functions to mark the day in Panaji and Margao.
BBSM chairman, Shashikala Kakodkar, said the agitation would now be intensified by holding public meetings in the constituencies represented by pro-English MLAs.
Next month, BBSM has planned sit-ins across the state to create awareness about the issue.
As per the new policy, the existing Konkani/Marathi medium schools can switch to English medium, and continue to get funds.
PTI
First Published: Monday, June 20, 2011, 18:26