For a long time, citizens migrating from Konkan to other cities like Mumbai and Pune for employment, business, or education were referred to as 'Chakarmani'. However, many organizations in Konkan expressed that this term implies a sense of inferiority. Accordingly, the state's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has issued clear instructions that henceforth these citizens should be referred to as 'Konkanvasi'.
The issue was discussed in a meeting held at the ministry regarding the Mumbai-Goa highway. Various Konkan organizations' representatives, including Raigad MP Sunil Tatkare, participated in this meeting. A strong objection was raised about the use of the word 'Chakarmani' in government documents. Instead, it was demanded that the word 'Kokanvasi' be used to honor the migrant citizens of Konkan.
The word 'Chakarmani' is derived from 'Chakar' meaning servant and 'Mani' meaning acceptor, and some organizations had expressed that it was derogatory. During festivals like Shimga, Ganeshotsav, and Diwali, this word was used for citizens returning to their hometowns in large numbers. However, now the government has decided to make this change with the intention of giving due respect to their hard work, and a circular regarding this will be issued soon.