Daijiworld Media Network – Margao
Margao, Nov 3: In a development that has brought cheer to advocates of the Konkani language in Roman script, the Office of the Deputy Collector (DRO) and Electoral Registration Officer, Margao, has issued an official notice in Konkani Roman script to Goan voters regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of the electoral rolls being conducted across Goa and the rest of India.
The ‘Kollouni’ (notice), dated October 10, and signed on October 31, by Aveline D’Sa E Pereira, Deputy Collector (DRO) and Electoral Registration Officer for the 35–Velim constituency, informs voters in simple and clear Roman script Konkani about the ongoing enumeration process.
According to the notice, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household with two enumeration forms, assisting voters in filling them out correctly. After submission, BLOs will verify the details with the Electoral Roll and provide an acknowledgement slip to each voter.
The notice also cautions that those who fail to complete and submit their forms within the stipulated period may have their names deleted from the Electoral Roll. Voters have been urged to extend full cooperation to ensure timely and smooth completion of the month-long exercise.
Welcoming the move, the Global Konknni Forum (GKF) described it as a “significant and inclusive step” towards linguistic equality. Forum Secretary Salvador Fernandes said, “Had the notice been issued only in the controversial OLA-approved script, it would have been unjust to Roman script users. This development reaffirms our long-standing demand for equal recognition of the Roman script under the Official Language Act.”
He further noted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has always stressed that broader citizen participation is vital for strengthening democracy. “This initiative by the Deputy Collector’s office to communicate with Konkani-speaking voters in both scripts is commendable and truly inclusive,” Salvador added.
The issuance of an official electoral notice in Konkani Roman script marks a meaningful recognition of linguistic diversity and is seen as a positive step towards equal treatment of both scripts under Goa’s Official Language framework.