Mangaluru: Congress MLC Ivan D’souza made a vain attempt to speak in Konkani in the Legislature Council here on Wednesday.

He had argued that he must be allowed to speak as Konkani is one of the constitutionally recommended languages of the country.

Chairman D H Shankaramurthy said neither he nor any other members and the officials understand Konkani and he must speak either in Kannada or English.

Ivan D’souza pleaded that Konkani is one among the 22 constitutionally recommended languages and he be allowed to speak in his language.

The Chairman instructed him to speak in Kannada and Konkani some other time.

Ivan said Konkani which is being taught in three coastal districts of the state as the Third Optional Language from Class 1 to 10 be extended till PU II as the language is being taught in four colleges affiliated to Mangalore university.

He said about 150 students completed their degree courses with Konkani as an Optional Language last year.

He also urged the government to establish a body in the state for the overall development of Konkani.