5^th August 2023|FICCI, New Delhi

India is a victim of a large-scale smuggling and counterfeiting web, entangling not only our legal industry and economy, but also the consumers who are exposed to grave risks to life and security. It has been observed that a large section of the population who have been impacted by the issue of smuggling and counterfeiting remain unaware of its lethality. In this regard a sensitization strategy is of paramount importance.

As part of our ongoing commitment to raise widespread awareness regarding the adverse impacts of smuggling and counterfeiting on our economy, society, as well as health and safety, FICCI CASCADE successfully orchestrated an Auto Rally on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Tansen Marg, New Delhi. The rally served as a platform to engage with the community and educate them about the harmful impacts of illicit trade. The initiative witnessed over 250 auto rickshaws forming a convoy as they traversed a designated route which commenced from FICCI, Federation House at Tansen Marg.

Mr. Neeraj Singh, Chair, FICCI Young Leaders Forum, UP Chapter, Politician and Social Worker was the chief guest at the programme and ceremoniously initiated the rally by flagging it off. Mr. Singh highlighted that smuggling and counterfeiting not only hinder economic progress, but also jeopardize the future of our youth, cause job losses and pose health risks. To achieve our goal of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy, and eventually the world’s largest economy, we must stand united and raise awareness against this critical issue. Mr. Singh expressed his gratitude to FICCI CASCADE for launching this campaign and extended his heartfelt thanks to all auto drivers who have come forward to support this cause.

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE opined that illicit trade inflicts significant harm on individual industries and has a substantial negative impact on employment generation and economic growth. Mr. Rajput underscored that Illicit trade also poses a dual challenge for the government, not only does it result in a loss of legitimate tax revenue, but it also demands additional allocation of resources for enforcement and public health measures.

Mr. Rajput highlighted that there is now a pressing need to intensify the campaign against smuggling and counterfeiting and highlight their detrimental consequences. The auto rally provides an opportunity to actively involve the Indian citizenry and make them aware of the multifaceted issues and challenges associated with illicit trade, emphasized Mr. Rajput.

During the rally, several important messages were conveyed, shedding light on the grave consequences of illicit trade. The primary message underscored the fact that illicit trade acts as a funding channel for crime syndicates and aids in financing terror activities, posing a critical matter of concern for national security. The second message highlighted the direct link between smuggling, counterfeiting, and terrorism funding, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the nation. The third message opined that the attention to the human cost, underscoring that the activities of smugglers and counterfeiters put lives at risk. Lastly, the rally raised awareness about the adverse economic impact, as India faces job losses due to the rampant prevalence of smuggling and counterfeiting. The messages aimed to mobilize collective efforts and encourage actions to combat this menace and protect our society’s well- being and prosperity.

The auto rally was meticulously coordinated, following a route that spanned Tansen Marg, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Outer Circle Connaught Place, Janpath, Tolstoy Marg, and Barakhamba Road, ultimately concluding its journey at FICCI, Federation House.