PANAJI: Chief minister Manohar Parrikar announced a host of proposals claiming to boost regional languages Konkani and Marathi. The most significant was setting up of a state Marathi academy at a budget of two crore and construction of a Konkani Bhavan building for an equal amount. Goa State Museum will get a new building at initial provision of 10 crore.

A provision of 20 lakh has been made available for research and creation of terminologies and lexicon in Konkani through a separate cell in the directorate of official language.

Devanagari shorthand and typing classes for government servants have been announced as a part of implementation of the official language so government departments can start corresponding in the official language. As an incentive, the state has proposed an honorarium of 3,000 for each employee who successfully undergoes this training.

In the field of culture, work on new Ravindra Bhavan at Mapusa will begin this year, Parrikar said. The state will take up restoration and beautification work of the forts at Aguada, Chapora, Alorna and Cabo De Rama, he said.

During the tri-centenary year of the birth of Goan saint Shree Sohirobanath Ambiye, the directorate of art and culture will publish a compilation of his scattered literature. A chair at Goa University in the name of Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye for research in Marathi language and Goan Marathi literature will be set up, the CM said.

Konkani Bhasha Mandal and All India Konkani Parishad will get a regular grant of Rs 15 lakh each for their regular activities.

Parrikar announced a lifetime achievement award for individuals working for Konkani, Marathi and Sanskrit at an initial provision of 10 lakh.

