Eminent NRI businessman from Bhatkal Syed Khalil ur Rahman honored with 'Gulf Karnataka Ratna' award
Dubai: In a remarkable celebration of exemplary contributions and achievements, Syed Khalil ur Rahman, a distinguished NRI businessman and community leader from Bhatkal, was bestowed with the prestigious 'Gulf Karnataka Ratna' award. This honor was conferred upon him during the Gulf Karnatakotsava event held in Dubai on Sunday, September 10, 2023. The Chief Guest for this momentous occasion was His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, a member of the Royal Family of Dubai and Chairman of MBM Group.
Syed Khalil, affectionately known as 'C A Khalil' among the general public, hails from the Nawayat community of Bhatkal. His exceptional journey to prominence and distinction has not only brought pride to the Nawayat community but also to Kannadigas and Indians at large. Khalil is renowned for his remarkable achievements and dedication to international trade, social service, and the education of underprivileged children.
Having ventured to the Gulf in 1978, Khalil's unwavering faith and dedication to the Galadari family propelled the Galadari Company to unparalleled success over three decades. Presently, he serves as the Founder Chairman of K&K Enterprises General Trading Company in Sharjah. Khalil also holds positions in numerous educational and social service organizations in Karnataka and beyond.
His passionate commitment extends to addressing the issue of youth unemployment. In his public addresses, he emphasizes the need for medical education and the establishment of a reputable hospital in the region. Khalil has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious 'Rajyostava Award' from the Karnataka government, an honorary doctorate from Aldersgate College, Ireland, and countless felicitations that showcase his outstanding accomplishments and exemplary character.
Syed Khalil stands as one of the town's first chartered accountants, renowned for his financial expertise. He is also a respected leader in social service, religious, and educational circles. His leadership roles have included the presidency of prominent organizations such as Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen and Rabita Society. Khalil is an advocate for girls' education and has played a pivotal role in establishing extensive educational institutions.
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Heated debate in Karnataka Legislative Council over continued ACC mining in Kalaburagi
Bengaluru (PTI): A heated exchange took place in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday over alleged non-payment of mining dues and the "unauthorised" continuation of quarry operations by the Adani Group’s ACC Limited, with ruling Congress and the opposition BJP members questioning the government’s handling of royalty recovery and permissions.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Congress MLC K Shivakumar, speaking on behalf of his party MLC Arathi Krishna, alleged that substantial royalty dues remained unpaid even as operations continued.
Krishna wanted to know whether the Karnataka government was aware that the lease period granted to Adani Group’s ACC Ltd for mining in the Kannur Limestone Block at Wadi in Kalaburagi has expired.
“If it is true, what action has the government taken against the said company for allegedly carrying out unauthorised mining at the site without paying the total dues of Rs 850.21 crore towards royalty, rent or penalty payable to the state government?” she asked in the written question.
She claimed that despite the Law department having given a written opinion to the Mines department that the said company should not be permitted to undertake mining activities until it clears all pending dues payable to the government, no legal action has been initiated against ACC, and instead a letter has been written to the central government regarding renewal of the lease in favour of the company.
Krishna questioned the apparent disparity in enforcement between small quarry operators and large corporate entities.
“After the Adani Group took over quarrying, they had to pay Rs 837 crore as royalty. Till today, they have not paid the royalty. What prompted you to exempt them from this royalty?” asked Shivakumar, on behalf of Krishna.
“If there is any small quarry operator, if he does not pay royalty, you do not allow him... You just bring him and seize it.”
BJP MLC C T Ravi echoed similar concerns, questioning the legal and procedural basis for allowing participation in bidding and continuation of operations despite pending dues.
“Do your rules allow those with pending dues to participate? If such a provision exists, under which rule does it exist?” he asked, also seeking clarity on recommendations of the High-Level Committee, Law Department and concurrence of the Finance Department.
Responding to the allegations, Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, replying on behalf of the Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun, maintained that no fresh licence had been granted and that the matter involved both an existing mining lease and a separate new application still under process.
He said the company had applied through the bidding route and was given time to complete formalities, which had since been done.
The minister explained that the issue of dues was pending before the court, which has allowed operations to continue subject to certain conditions.
“The old licence is continuing under court direction. It has not been stopped. We are following court direction,” he said, adding that part payment had been made and the balance would be decided through legal proceedings.
Ravi, however, pressed further, arguing that court orders did not prevent recovery of dues.
“The court has not said do not recover dues. What does your legal opinion say? Why have you not recovered?” he asked.
Shivakumar also raised concerns over declining non-tax revenue from mining, citing the state’s own budget observations.
“If Rs 800 crore to Rs 900 crore is allowed to let go like this, where will non-tax revenue come from?” he asked and sought to know why the government had not fully tapped the sector’s revenue potential.
The Minister reiterated that the due itself was under dispute, making immediate recovery difficult.
“How can we recover when the amount itself is not decided? Until recovery is possible, no further permission will be given,” he said, adding that consultations with the Law Department and Advocate General would be held to explore further action.
He also cited tender conditions, stating, “As per the tender notification dated October 5, 2020, a company must have paid all past dues to be considered a successful bidder.”
Unconvinced, Ravi demanded that the recovery of dues should follow.
