Protests over English language issue in Goa

Updated on: Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Road traffic has been paralysed in Goa since morning, as protesters have descended on roads to enforce the 'Goa bandh' over state government's decision to grant recognition to English as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) in the primary schools.

Goa government recently decided to recognise English as an MOI, alongwith Marathi and Konkani, and to give grants to English-medium schools.

But the decision has led to howls of protest, with the fear that it would undercut the vernacular-medium schools.

Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) has given a call for strike, which is supported by BJP, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), and Shiv Sena. It is also backed by 67 institutions across the state.

Since morning, no buses could ply on the inter-city routes. A few buses were seen on city roads here, with a few passengers.

Most schools remained closed, though today was the first day of the current academic year.

In the schools which opened, teachers could not reach on time, and very few students turned up.

Police sources stated that two buses of government-run Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) were stoned in Margao and Bicholim towns.

Another two buses, carrying school children, were also attacked by the protesters. "The students were made to get down and the buses were smashed up," an eye witness said.

The students were later taken back to their homes by the agitators themselves.

Protests over English language issue in Goa

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