MGP manifesto promises retention of Marathi, Konkani as MOI

Panaji, Feb 24 (PTI) Goa's oldest regional political outfit, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), today released its election manifesto which promises, among other things, to retain Konkani and Marathi as mediums of instruction (MOI) at the primary level. "MOI for primary education will be either Konkani or Marathi or any other Indian language (as against English)," MGP working president Narayan Sawant told reporters in Panaji today. The party has also said that it would ensure use of local languages in the day-to-day official communications. MGP is contesting next month's Goa assembly polls in alliance with BJP. MOI has been one of the crucial issues in the election. Last year, Congress-led government decided to extend government grants to English-medium schools too, apart from Konkani/Marathi schools. MGP is opposed to the decision. The party, which ruled Goa for 18 years after liberation from the Portuguese rule in 1961, has also promised that it would promote agriculture and horticulture. The manifesto speaks of ensuring "deserving rates and market for agricultural products". Transportation of agricultural products would be subsidised. It also promises to stop illegal mining, and to encourage pollution-free industries.