By Sanjay Borkar
Daijiworld Media Network - Margao (SP)

Madgao, Nov 6: The state government has formulated a scheme for publication of various works in the official languages, on subjects like science and technology, sociology including Goan social ethos, philosophy, social awareness, human resources development, finance, history, agriculture/rural development, media and mass communications/information technology, administration, tourism etc.

The objective of the scheme is to encourage writers in the state to develop their talents and give a boost to the official languages, Konkani, Marathi and English.

The department concerned has, however clarified that under this scheme, only the unpublished manuscripts will be accepted. It has also said that any citizen of India of Goan origin or those permanently residing in Goa can seek to publish his or her works under the scheme.

The manuscripts should be in the form of analytical reviews of the subject they deal with. Manuscripts written in the forms of a novels, stories, plays etc., or textbooks written for schools, will not be considered.

The release further adds that the manuscripts should contain a minimum of 250 typed pages (A4 size). If the evaluation committee arrives at the conclusion that none of the manuscripts sent as entries under the scheme are considered suitable, the decision of the committee will be final and binding.

In case the manuscripts selected for publication are authored by more than one writer, honorarium will be distributed among them equally. Manuscripts that have already received honorariums/awards under any other scheme, will not be eligible. Under the scheme, a writer will be eligible for an honorarium of up to one lac rupees.

Entries must be sent in the application forms available at the directorate of official language, along with three copies of the manuscript (for each entry). A writer may send more than one entry for consideration, provided that the subject matters of the entries are different.

The entries must reach the directorate of official language by post or delivered in person at Junta House, 1st Lift, 5th floor, Panaji –Goa - 403 001, on or before December 4, 2009. Entries received after the prescribed date will not be considered.

The applications should be accompanied with a passport size photograph of the writer, proof of age, proof of residence, declaration stating that the manuscript has not been selected/published/awarded under any other scheme, educational qualifications including degree certificates, research and any other achievements in the field etc. The writer should be an expert on the subject.