Panaji: Fulfilling a long-pending demand, the Department of Posts under the Union ministry of communications has revised the recruitment policy for the Gramin Dak Sevak posts in Goa making proficiency in Konkani a mandatory requirement.
The Department of Posts has issued an office memorandum on October 7 stating that it has reviewed the list of local languages identified for the purpose of engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks in respect of Goa’s post offices.
According to the modification approved by the Postal Services Board, the candidates applying for the Gramin Dak Sevak posts in the offices in Goa must have studied Konkani or Marathi at the 10th Standard level.
“However, candidates who have studied only Marathi must also possess proficiency in Konkani. In cases where Konkani has not been studied up to the 10th Standard, candidates’ proficiency shall be verified based on a certificate issued by Goa Konkani Akademi or any other government authorised authority as nominated by the state of Goa for the purpose,” reads the office memorandum issued by director of Gramin Dak Sevak Ravi Pahwa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant  met Ramesh Patil, Director, Postal Services, Goa region.
He received an update regarding the approval of amendments to the Gramin Dak Sevak recruitment conditions by the Department of Posts for Goa state.
He said that under the revised policy, proficiency in Konkani has been made a mandatory requirement for applicants to GDS posts in Goa.
“Additionally, Konkani and Marathi have been officially recognised as the local languages for recruitment. Candidates who have studied in either Konkani or Marathi up to the 10th Standard will be eligible. However, those proficient in Marathi will also need to demonstrate proficiency in Konkani,” Sawant elaborated.
This important reform will prioritise Goans in recruitment, generate more employment opportunities for the local youth, and strengthen postal service delivery in Goa, Sawant reckoned.
During the monsoon session of the state Legislative Assembly,  Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai had voiced concern over the alleged injustice meted out to Goan candidates, claiming that candidates from Maharashtra had been preferred for the posts of Gramin Dak Sevak.
Hailing the latest development, Sardesai in his social media post said the decision is an important victory for the people of Goa.
He expressed happiness over the amendments to the rules by the central government making proficiency in Konkani mandatory.
“Konkani language is our identity. With this decision, Goans will get these jobs, which are deserved for the people of Goa,” he said.
