Global Konkani Forum Congratulates Capt. Viriato Fernandes on Special Status Bill for Goa

The Executive Committee of the Global Konkani Forum has congratulated South Goa Member of Parliament Capt. Viriato Fernandes for introducing a Private Member’s Bill during the Winter Session of Parliament on December 5, 2025, seeking Special Status for the State of Goa.

The Bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 371(i) with the objective of protecting Goa’s land, environment, culture, identity, and heritage. The Forum placed on record its appreciation of what it described as a timely and visionary initiative taken in the larger interest of the State and its people.

The Global Konkani Forum observed that the survival, growth, and dignity of the Konkani language are inseparably linked to the protection of Goa’s cultural and demographic identity. As the official language of the State and one recognised under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Konkani represents the core of Goan society. The Forum, however, expressed concern that unchecked demographic changes and cultural dilution pose a serious threat to the everyday use and intergenerational transmission of the language, particularly among the younger generation.

It noted that granting Special Status to Goa would provide essential constitutional safeguards to preserve the social and cultural ecosystem in which Konkani—especially in the Roman script—has traditionally flourished through homes, villages, literature, tiatr, and folk traditions. The protection of land and the environment was described as equally critical for safeguarding native communities, regarded as the natural custodians of the Konkani language.

The Forum expressed hope that the Bill would receive serious consideration and broad support in Parliament, not only as a measure to protect Goa’s physical resources but also as a decisive step towards securing the future of the Konkani language and Goan identity.

The motion was formally handed over in the presence of Global Konkani Forum President Antonio Alvares, Vice President Francis Xavier Fernandes, Secretary Jose Salvador Fernandes, Treasurer Apolonia Rebello, and executive members Nora Antao De Souza, Vivek C. Pereira, John Miranda, and Calisto J. L. De Souza.