Directorate of Official Language is a result of one of the significant efforts initiated by the State Government to develop vernacular languages. Being aware of the importance of regional languages, the State Legislative Assembly passed the Goa, Daman & Diu Official Language Act, 1987 which states that “Konkani Language in Devnagari Script” shall be the Official Language of the State and whereas there is a provision for the Marathi Language in the Act, which shall also be used for all or any of the official purposes.

Earlier, from 1987 onwards, the Government had established an Official Language Cell under the control of the General Administration Department, Government of Goa.

In the year 1997, the Directorate of Official Language was established vide Government Order No. 23/1/87/GA & C (1) dated 26/03/1997 with the existing staff of the Official Language Cell. A full-time Director was appointed vide Order No. 5/9/2002/PER dated 28/08/2003. A separate budget head was allotted from the year 2004–05. Hence, the Directorate of Official Language was formally established in 2004 with responsibilities to implement the Official Language Act, 1987 and the Schemes for the Development of Languages prevalent in the State.

It may be observed that this Department does not deal directly with citizens. The major part of the activities and the services rendered by this Department are for Government Departments, Agencies, or Government Employees. The Directorate of Official Language is expanding its ambit of functioning by introducing various schemes, training for the development of Official Language and other vernacular languages, preparation of terminologies in Konkani, research activities, and other initiatives.