Mangaluru : The State government will consider introducing Konkani language as a subject in pre-university, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The Karnataka State Konkani Sahitya Academy has submitted a proposal to the government to introduce Konkani as a subject in pre-university, and the government will think about the same, the chief minister assured.

He was speaking after laying foundation for Konkani Museum at Kalaangann in Shaktinagar here on Thursday.

The State government has earmarked Rs 2.5 crore in the budget and will earmark another Rs 2.5 crore in the next budget towards the Konkani museum, which is to be built in Shaktinagar at a cost of Rs 30 crore. Siddaramaiah also asked the Konkani Academy to submit the layout of the museum to the state government.

The chief minister, meanwhile, expressed hope that the Konkani museum will stand testimony to the Konkani culture and assured considering the proposal for construction of a Konkani Bhavan in future. “Konkani is a language having a history of 450 years. Konkani-speaking people have mingled with Kannadigas, setting an example of religious tolerance and harmonious living. They have given great contributions to the state,” Siddaramaiah said.

An amount of Rs 2.5 crore is announced for research on the works of Rev Ferdinand Kittel at the Karnataka Theological College in the city.

District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai, Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Fisheries K Abhaychandra Jain, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy President Roy Castelino, Mandd Sobhann President Louis J Pinto and Gurkar Eric Ozario were present.