6th July 2023 | St. Jones High School, Karbala Tank Road, Ranchi

FICCI CASCADE organized an Awareness Programme on “Breaking the Chains of Illicit Trade: Seminar to Curb Counterfeiting and Smuggling” on 6th July 2023 at St. Jones High School, Karbala Tank Road, Ranchi. The seminar provided a platform for in-depth discussions concerning the heightened significance of raising awareness about the perils associated with counterfeiting and smuggling. Moreover, the seminar highlighted the need for robust enforcement measures to boost India’s economic growth and development.

Mr. Ajay Kumar Singh, IPS, Director General of Police, Jharkhand was the chief guest at the programme. While addressing the programme, he stated that counterfeiting and smuggling pose substantial risks to consumer health and safety, such awareness programs will play a pivotal role in educating consumers about the dangers posed by counterfeit and smuggled products, empowering them to make informed choices and protect themselves from potential harm. By fostering awareness and promoting a culture of vigilance, we can ensure that consumers are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and avoid counterfeit and smuggled goods, ultimately enhancing their safety and well-being, added Mr. Singh.

Mr. Singh emphasized that educating and raising awareness about the detrimental consequences of counterfeiting and smuggling is the pressing need of the hour in order to effectively combat this widespread menace on a global scale. He further suggested FICCI CASCADE to organize such youth awareness program in Jharkhand more frequently to motivate the youth of the state in achieving our objective in making India free from illicit trade.

Mr. Kishor Kaushal, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranchi stated that awareness is important in eradicating the escalating threat of illicit trade that affects our daily lives, it is crucial to address this issue as a top priority. The official stressed avoiding the purchase of cheap products and instead opting for genuine products. Mr. kaushal urged that consumers must obtain a receipt while making purchases as a means of safeguarding themselves against unscrupulous market operators.

Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs accentuated that the pervasive nature of illicit trade is giving rise to a multitude of significant ramifications for our country. This issue demands serious attention, as it not only results in substantial fiscal losses but also poses substantial threats to the health and well-being of our citizens. It is imperative to pursue initiatives aimed at fostering awareness to effectively counter illicit trade.

Mr. Rajiva Ranjan Verma, Former Director General, RPF, NCRB, Civil Defense, Home Guard & Fire Services and BPR&D opined that vigorously pursuing heightened awareness stands as a crucial strategy in the fight against illicit trade, encompassing both smuggling and counterfeiting. Additionally, he underscored the pivotal role of youth in combating the challenges posed by smuggling and counterfeiting, highlighting its utmost significance.

Mr. Verma proposed a vote of thanks to all the esteemed guests and delegates, while highlighting that FICCI CASCADE is actively involved in disseminating awareness about the threats posed by counterfeiting and smuggling to public health and safety.