Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industries felicitates MLC Ivan D'Souza in Mangaluru
The Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) hosted a grand felicitation event for MLC Ivan D'Souza on Saturday, 6th July 2024, at the Ocean Pearl Hotel in the city. The event celebrated D'Souza's election to the Karnataka Legislative Council for a second term.
The program commenced with a welcome speech by BCCI General Secretary Mohammed Imthiyaz.
Haji SM Abdul Rasheed, the chairman of BCCI presided over the event and urged support from Muslim communities from across the region to BCCI as it works towards economic upliftment of Muslims.
He presented a detailed report on the organization's achievements and outlined ambitious plans for expanding BCCI's presence in various countries.
Imthiyaz emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the Muslim business community, drawing parallels with the Gujarati community, known for their strong business acumen and cooperative spirit. He highlighted that the Beary and Navayath communities, renowned for their trading skills, must work together to achieve greater success. He warned that selfishness and lack of cooperation could harm the community's economic prospects.
He further elaborated on the BCCI's significant role in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses within the community. Imthiyaz noted that the organization has successfully helped numerous entrepreneurs establish their ventures across the country and globally, contributing to the economic growth of the community.
Following the felicitation ceremony, MLC Ivan D'Souza addressed the gathering. He began by reflecting on the transient nature of political power, stressing that those elected to positions of authority must remain mindful of the sentiments and emotions of the people they represent. D'Souza urged politicians to adhere to principles of social and community work to earn and maintain respect in political circles.
D'Souza emphasized that the power of the people is the only permanent force, noting that elected officials can easily be replaced if they fail to serve their constituents effectively. He spoke candidly about the challenges of political life, likening it to a mountain that appears smooth from a distance but is challenging to navigate up close.
Reflecting on his political journey, D'Souza highlighted his accomplishments during his first term, including maintaining a perfect attendance record, for which he received commendation from the government at the time. He pledged to continue serving humanity and his constituents with dedication.
D'Souza also discussed various projects he has been involved in and shared his vision for future initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the honor and reassured the audience that the Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka is committed to the development of all sectors and communities in the state.
In his presidential address, Haji SM Abdul Rasheed praised MLC Ivan D'Souza for his service and thanked him for attending the event on short notice. He highlighted the simplicity with which D'Souza and his family lead their lives, always willing to help and serve the community. Rasheed also discussed the BCCI's future plans and expansion strategies.
The event began with a recitation of the Quran by Hafiz Hasan Asheeq Abdullah, followed by a welcome speech by Haji Mumtaz Ali Krishnapura. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by BCCI General Secretary Mohammed Imthiyaz, marking the end of a memorable and inspiring event. Abdul Jaleel Krishnapura, nominated member to Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), was also felicitated in the event.
Vice-president Zakariya Jokatte, Office bearer Sheikh Karnire, Secretary Ashraf Karnire, Joint secretary Nisar Mohammed Fakeer and treasurer Mansoor Ahmed, Abdulla Monu Moideen Qatar, Asif Home Plus were present.
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Prez nod for FIR against AAP's Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain in Rs 2,000-cr classroom 'scam'
New Delhi, Mar 13 (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval for the registration of an FIR against AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in an alleged scam of Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools, sources said.
In 2022, the Delhi government's vigilance directorate recommended a probe into the alleged scam and submitted a report to the chief secretary.
The President has given her approval for registering the FIR against Sisodia and Jain in connection with the alleged scam during their tenures as ministers in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, the sources said.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), in a report dated February 17, 2020, highlighted "glaring irregularities" in the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools by the Public Works Department (PWD).
The President's approval came under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act that pertains to "enquiry or inquiry or investigation of offences relatable to recommendations made or decision taken by public servant in discharge of official functions or duties".
Reacting to the development, senior AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP of carrying out a witch-hunt against its political rivals.
The BJP has no interest or intention to fulfil the promises it made to the people of Delhi. Its only agenda is to carry out a witch-hunt against its political rivals to stifle the voice of people, the former minister said in a statement.
The BJP-led central government has already decided to prosecute every political adversary of the party and grant approvals to move the case forward but it should wait for the judicial process to begin, he said.
In July 2019, BJP leader Harish Khurana and then AAP rebel MLA Kapil Mishra, now a minister in the Delhi government, lodged a police complaint about the alleged scam.
According to a report prepared by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Delhi government, the complainants alleged that there was a scam worth over Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of classrooms and school buildings in Delhi. The work was done at a highly inflated cost by the Delhi government.
The alleged scam involves the construction of around 12,748 classrooms.
The ACB report said the total expenditure incurred for constructing the classrooms and school buildings was around Rs 2,892.65 crore. They were allegedly constructed at the rate of Rs 8,800 per square feet, whereas it was common knowledge that the average construction cost (even for a builder of flats) was around Rs 1,500 per square feet.
The total cost for constructing a classroom and school building, according to the tender awarded, was allegedly around Rs 24.86 lakh per room, whereas such rooms are easily constructed in Delhi at around Rs 5 lakh per room, it said.
The prices were increased almost five times to defraud the taxpayer by siphoning off money from the public exchequer in the garb of construction cost, the report said.
Even for a 5-star hotel, top ultra-luxury quality construction is around Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,500 per square feet, it said.
The complainants submitted a copy of documents in which information received under the RTI Act in respect of the construction of 18 classrooms in the Govt Girls Senior Secondary School, Nathupura, Burari (school ID:-1207111) revealed that they were constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore, the ACB report said.
