Past Events – Page 15 – Ficci Cascade

Seminar on ‘Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – An Imperative for Indian Economy’, Ahmedabad

by adminOctober 10, 2015 Past Events0 comments

10/10/2015 | Ahmedabad

“The damage caused by counterfeiting and smuggling is threefold – impacting producers, consumers and government. We should all participate in this collaborative process initiated by FICCI CASCADE in order to uproot this menace.” This was stated by Dr. Kiritbhai Solanki, Hon’ble Member of Parliament in a seminar organized by FICCI CASCADE in Ahmedabad on addressing counterfeiting and smuggling and aiming to spread consumer awareness against the menace of illegal products. Hon’ble MP also urged industry and consumers to come forward and help the Government and police in preventing illicit trade. As a member of Standing Committee on Finance, Dr. Solanki assured that he will take up the cause to the committee so that brainstorming can be done in this direction.

FICCI CASCADE, with a view to engage all relevant stakeholders like government representatives, enforcement agencies, excise and customs, consumer activists, media as well as industry and legal experts, and to sensitize them to fight against counterfeiting and smuggling, organized this seminar in Ahmedabad on “Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – An Imperative for Indian Economy” on 10^th October, 2015. The seminar brought together experts to raise concerns over the growing illicit trade and to create large-scale awareness among the impacted segments of the society. Illicit trade has attracted considerable attention among trade associations, government and enterprises.

Mr. Jatin Trivedi, Chairman, Legal sub-committee, FICCI Gujarat State Council stated that FICCI has always been a torch bearer with the betterment of society and the country at large. FICCI CASCADE is one of the lamp under which the responsibility is taken by it to spread public awareness about the issues of counterfeiting and smuggling. Mr. Trivedi welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the objectives of the seminar like generating awareness, interaction with law enforcement agencies and the need for sharing best practices. He observed that India was at the world’s spotlight with a most dynamic economy. Hence, safeguarding the rights of legitimate industries is imperative. Mr. Trivedi added that the growing illicit markets undermined the business environment and restrained development of the country’s much anticipated growth trajectory.

FICCI CASCADE advisor, Mr. P. C Jha, also an ex- Chairman, CBEC pointed out that as illicit trade had become an economic problem of international importance and has been growing dramatically across the globe. Strict legislations, enforcement, protection of intellectual property rights are required to curb the peril. Mr. Jha further emphasized that it order to completely eradicate of this global menace, demand side of counterfeiting should be fought first. Genuine brand owners, media and other government agencies should join hands to educate consumers and to make them aware of the need to shun counterfeit and smuggled products willfully. Mr. Jha also shared his thoughts on how high rates of taxation on products are aggravating the problem of counterfeiting and smuggling. For example an increase in excise and VAT rates on products such as tobacco and alcohol incentivizes counterfeiting, thereby, causing heavy losses to the ex-chequer. Thus, enforcement of high taxed goods should be of high priority for governments to avoid tax evasion.

Dr. Bhagirath Patel, Chairman, Innovation Programme Drive, Gujarat Innovation Society, in his address said that over the years quality of life has changed because of innovation, however counterfeiting hampers the innovation leading to a poor quality of life. He also emphasized on the need for protection for legitimate products.

The seminar also marked the enthusiastic and encouraging support of Ms. Anindita Mehta, DGM, Consumer Education and Research Center, Ahmedabad. Ms. Mehta stressed on the fact that sustained awareness was required amongst consumers which should also include awareness on quality standards. Ms. Mehta complimented FICCI CASCADE on its initiatives which she said were not only in public interest, but in the larger interest of the nation.

Following the Inaugural Session, a panel discussion on Organized Crime Surge in India – Role of Enforcement Agencies in Combating Smuggling and Counterfeiting was held, which saw lively interactions of representatives from enforcement agencies and the audience. Panelists included Mrs. Meera Ramnivas, Addl. DGP (CID Crime), Government of Gujarat and Ms. Vrindaba Gohil, Additional Commissioner, Customs, Mundra, Gujarat, The session was chaired with by Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor FICCI CASCADE and former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi. Mr. Deep Chand remarked that illicit trade activities are a huge challenge before enforcement agencies. He emphasized the role of enforcement officials in fighting this menace, however he stated that this not possible with adequate support from Industry players and consumers. All the panelists agreed that on information sharing among all stakeholders as being a key to curb this menace.

Mr. Param Shah, Head, FICCI Gujarat State Council proposed the vote of thanks. The event was supported by Gujarat Innovation Society (GIS) and was attended by more than 125 industry captains, representative from consumer forums, Government officials and stakeholders in this segment.

Lear More

Candle Light Congregation- Fight Against Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Ahmedebad

by adminSeptember 30, 2015 Past Events0 comments

30/9/2015 | Ahmedebad

As a part of its series of nation-wide awareness campaigns to highlight the issue of growing menace of counterfeiting and smuggling, FICCI CASCADE (Committee against Smuggling & Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), organized a seminar and candle light congregation at East Bourne Hotel, Shimla on September 30, 2015. Over 100 students with candles in their hand and banners stating ‘Buy Make in India’ and ‘Say No to Smuggled Goods’ participated in this congregation with much zest and zeal.

Mr. Anirudh Singh, MLA from Kasumpti was the Chief Guest at the congregation. He said that counterfeits and smuggled goods were threatening the key elements of India’s growth strategy vis-à-vis technology, invention and innovation which were the key elements in India’s economic developmental agenda.Congratulating FICCI CASCADE for taking the initiative to generate awareness among consumers on the perils of counterfeits and smuggled goods, Mr. Singh emphasized that illicit trade curbes country’s economic independence. He urged the participating students to take a pledge against using fake products and to fight the menace of smuggling which was in the larger interest of the nation’s economy.

Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE & former Chairman, CBEC stated that according to a recently released FICCI CASCADE study,the total loss to the government estimated for 2014, on account of the illicit markets in respect of seven manufacturing sectors was Rs 39,239 crores. Further, during the last twenty years, the volume of the counterfeiting activity has increased 100 times and the size of trade in counterfeited goods is 10% of the legal international trade.He observed that the need for awarenessof consumers,particularly the youth, on illicit trade practices as vital. Mr. Jha also emphasized that purchases, as far as possible, should be done against bills.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and former Special Commissioner, Delhi Police, stated that the Indian Government had initiated various steps to address counterfeiting, piracy and smuggling. Despite these actions, a study by FICCI CASCADE reveals that counterfeiting and smuggling rates are still very high. Mr. Chand said that illicit trade such as counterfeiting and smuggling was an economic offence, created a black market or underground economy, in which goods and services were traded illegally. Consumer participation at large in the fight against counterfeiting and smuggling is crucial to determine the growing circulation of such goods.

Over 100 students with candles and banners participated in the fight smuggling and counterfeiting. The candle light congregation was organised to highlight the issue and focus on the growing menace of counterfeiting and smuggling.\

Media CoverageDownload Pdf

Lear More

Interactive Session on ‘Illicit Trade – A Threat to our National Interests, Shimla

by adminSeptember 29, 2015 Past Events0 comments

29/09/2015 | Shimla

In order to highlight the magnitude of illicit trade activities like counterfeiting and smuggling, FICCI CASCADE also organized an Interactive Session with media on ‘Illicit Trade – A Threat to our National Interest’, on 29 September, 2015 in Shimla. Mr. Sanjay Kundu, Additional Director General of Police, Government of Himachal Pradesh was the key speaker at the press conference. Mr. Kundu observed that counterfeiting and smuggling encouraged the culture of fraud causing huge losses of revenue to the government as well as industry. Currently, it was important for India to have a positive perception in the global market for which conscious efforts have to be made by all stakeholders to work concertedly in curbing this menace of illicit trade for sustained economic development. The police would play a very important role here as economic frauds need to be addressed at all the levels by the police department. Mr. Kundu also stressed on the need for continuous capacity building of police officers to help them play an effective role. The interactive session was well attended and covered by the media.

Media CoverageDownload Pdf

Lear More

Interactive Session on ‘Illicit Trade – A Threat to our National Interests, Bhubaneswar

by adminSeptember 11, 2015 Past Events0 comments

11/9/2015 | Bhubaneswar

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), unveiled its nine sector report titled – ‘Illicit Market: A Threat to Our National Interest’ in Bhubaneswar. This is a quantitative study evaluating the impact of illicit markets on various economic aspects in the Manufacturing Industry including sectors like FMCG Packaged Foods and Personal Goods, Computer Hardware, Automobiles, Mobile Phones, Tobacco & Alcohol and secondly – the Media and Entertainment Industry including the Broadcasting and Motion Pictures sectors.

As per the report, the total loss to the government estimated for 2014, on account of the illicit markets in respect of the seven sectors manufacturing industry is Rs 39,239 crores, up from Rs 26,190 crores in 2012. The loss is inclusive of both indirect and direct taxes — the indirect taxes component is Rs. 34,020 crore and direct taxes is Rs. 5,218 crore. The study has also discovered that during the course of two years from 2011-12 to 2013-14, revenue loss to the Government has grown-up exponentially by Rs. 13,049 crores, an increase by 49.8%. Amongst the various sectors, the maximum revenue loss to the exchequer on account of counterfeiting and illicit trade is attributed to tobacco products at 23%, estimating a revenue loss of Rs. 9139 crores.

Mr P.C.Jha, Adviser FICCI CASCADE and former Chairman, Central Board of Excise & Customs said, “During the last twenty years, the volume of the counterfeiting activity has increased 100 times and the size of trade in counterfeited goods is 10% of the legal international trade (around 2% of the world’s overall economic output).”

Quoting the recently released FICCI CASCADE study, Mr. Jha stated that the loss to manufacturing related sectors has increased by 44.4% in the two years, from Rs72,969 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 105,381 in 2013-14.

The study also establishes a relationship between high taxes and availability of illicit products. High tax rates tend to exacerbate illicit markets by creating greater demand for cheap and counterfeit substitutes. A significant reason for this being that high tariffs and taxes create opportunities for those involved in illicit markets to step in and supply ‘reduced’ versions of the original product at lower prices. This is true for the tobacco and alcohol Industry. These industries are not only highly taxed; the tax structure is highly complex in nature. Besides, there are considerable differences in tax rates between states which open up opportunities for illegal cross-border trade.

Lear More

Interactive Session on ‘Illicit Trade – A Threat to our National Interests, Ahmedabad

by adminSeptember 10, 2015 Past Events0 comments

10/9/2015 | Ahmedabad

In order to highlight the magnitude of illicit trade activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling, FICCI CASCADE organized a press conference, preceding the seminar, on ‘Illicit Trade – A Threat to our National Interest’ on October 9th, 2015 in Ahmedabad. Mr. S. S. Trivedi, IGP (EOW, CID Crime), Government of Gujarat was the key speaker at the press conference. Mr. Trivedi stated that the Gujrat police was very serious about taking action on such unlawful activities and urged the consumers to not only boycott illicit products but to cooperate with police to tackle the issue. Both the events were well covered my media.

Lear More

Police Officers Training- Capacity Building Programme, New Delhi

by adminAugust 3, 2015 Past Events0 comments

3/8/2015 | Specialized Training Center, Rajender Nagar Police Station,New Delhi

The Police department is the primary law enforcement agency. It administers the Government’s economic, trade and tariff policies, handles international traffic of imports & exports, and aids to minimize demerit goods from augmenting in the markets. With low barriers to market entry and infiltration, the Police play a very significant role in ensuring and enforcing the protection of right owners. Keeping the above in view, FICCI CASCADE organized a training programme for the Delhi Police officers on August 03, 2015 at the Rajender Nagar Police Station, New Delhi, with an objective of equipping the police officers to understand and take requisite action against counterfeiters and smugglers.

Mr. Suvashish Chaudhary, IPS, Principal, PTC , the Chief Guest at the programme, emphasized that the police had a significant role in fighting the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting. He stated that although counterfeiting was looked at as a victimless crime, it had many far-reaching consequences and it was extremely important for a police officer to understand the consequences before taking actions on ground. Only then will an officer investigating a case related to smuggling and counterfeiting be able to understand and take suitable actions. He further added that protection of rights takes a key role given the emphasis on the current ’Make in India’ campaign. Hence, awareness generation on counterfeit and smuggled items is a must as this will act as a deterrent to the illicit market operations and give fillip to the economy.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, in his address informed about FICCI CASCADE’s mandate of capacity building of law enforcement agencies including for Judges, Police and Customs Officers, and how CASCADE had been working extensively in this area nationally. The emphasis was on organizing training programmes and seminars along with continuous interactions with the law enforcement authorities to underline the importance of increased awareness on the serious problem of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

Mr. Chand correlated smuggling and counterfeiting activity with the security challenge in different environments around the world. He cited that illicit trade especially in two product categories i.e. tobacco and alcohol were being increasingly used to fund anti-social and terrorist activities. Mr. Chand also observed that the need of the hour was tangible actions to increase enforcement, and to impose increased punishments. This was imperative to reassure legitimate business owners and consumers that the government was serious about protecting right owners which, in turn, would elicit greater support for government policies.

The training programme was attended by over 50 police officers and provided a useful platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the enforcement of laws and practices while dealing with counterfeiters and smugglers. The speakers deliberated on the various aspects that a police officer is needed to keep in mind while investigating cases of smuggling and counterfeiting, including: Legal Provisions to Offences & Penalties for Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Provisions under Patents, Design, Trademarks and Geographical Indications Acts and Practical know-how of Investigation of IP and related Economic Crimes. Other significant areas of discussion included on Tax Arbitrage – Grey Market Operation and Global trends of investigations in counterfeits and their enforcement.

The speakers at the programme included Mr. Mangesh Kashyap, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, IPR, Economic Offence Wing, Delhi Police, Dr. Alka Chawla, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi and Advisor, FICCI Intellectual Property Education Centre, Dr. Prithpal Kaur Assistant Registrar TMR, Patent Office, New Delhi, Mr. Sachin Gupta, Associate Partner, Inttl Advocare and Mr. Kunal Gupta, Executive Director, Grant Thornton India LLP. The participating police personnel found the presentations constructive and interacted actively with the speakers.

Lear More

Interactive Session on ‘Illicit Trade – A Threat to our National Interests, Chandigarh

by adminJune 8, 2015 Past Events0 comments

8/6/2015 | Chandigarh

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), in Chandigarh unveiled its nine sector report titled – ‘Illicit Market: A Threat to Our National Interest’. This is a quantitative study evaluating the impact of illicit markets on various economic aspects in the Manufacturing Industry including sectors like FMCG Packaged Foods and Personal Goods, Computer Hardware, Automobiles, Mobile Phones, Tobacco & Alcohol and secondly – the Media and Entertainment Industry including the Broadcasting and Motion Pictures sectors.

As per the report, the total loss to the government estimated for 2014, on account of the illicit markets in respect of the seven sectors manufacturing industry is Rs 39,239 crores, up from Rs 26,190 crores in 2012. The loss is inclusive of both indirect and direct taxes — the indirect taxes component is Rs. 34,020 crore and direct taxes is Rs. 5,218 crore. The study has also discovered that during the course of two years from 2011-12 to 2013-14, revenue loss to the Government has grown-up exponentially by Rs. 13,049 crores, an increase by 49.8%. Amongst the various sectors, the maximum revenue loss to the exchequer on account of counterfeiting and illicit trade is attributed to tobacco products at 23%, estimating a revenue loss of Rs. 9139 crores.

The state of Punjab has seen a significant growth in illicit trade among these sectors in the last couple of years. It is one of the fastest growing markets for illegal cigarettes and alcohol in the country. Illegal cigarette industry is estimated to be around 20% of the total cigarette market in the State. The supply of legal cigarettes has been static and even shows a decline, the illegal players have taken over this market and is growing at a higher rate. In case of alcohol, the illegal market has also grown significantly in the state in quantity especially for IMFL and imported liquor.

Mr P.C.Jha, Adviser FICCI CASCADE and former Chairman, Central Board of Excise & Customs said, “During the last twenty years, the volume of the counterfeiting activity has increased 100 times and the size of trade in counterfeited goods is 10% of the legal international trade (around 2% of the world’s overall economic output).”

Quoting the recently released FICCI CASCADE study, Mr. Jha stated that the loss to manufacturing related sectors has increased by 44.4% in the two years, from Rs72,969 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 105,381 in 2013-14.

The study also establishes a relationship between high taxes and availability of illicit products. High tax rates tend to exacerbate illicit markets by creating greater demand for cheap and counterfeit substitutes. A significant reason for this being that high tariffs and taxes create opportunities for those involved in illicit markets to step in and supply ‘reduced’ versions of the original product at lower prices. This is true for the tobacco and alcohol Industry. These industries are not only highly taxed; the tax structure is highly complex in nature. Besides, there are considerable differences in tax rates between states which open up opportunities for illegal cross-border trade.

Lear More

Judiciary Sensitization Programme On Smuggling, Counterfeiting And Piracy, Cuttack

by adminApril 11, 2015 Past Events0 comments

11/4/2015 | Odisha State Judicial Academy,Cuttack

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) in association with the Odisha State Judicial Academy organized a Judiciary Sensitization Programme on Smuggling, Counterfeiting and Piracy on April 11 at the Odisha Judicial Academy, located at Cuttack. The objective of the roundtable was to focus on issues and challenges, which the Judiciary is expected to address in resolving IP disputes in view of the changing scenario of technology and trade policies, and evolving of the law on the subject.

Hon’bleJustice Mr. I. Mahanty, Chairman, Odisha State Judicial Academy, the Chief Guest on the occasion, stated that the judiciary wasat the vanguard in taking appropriate actions against all forms of corruption where counterfeiting, smuggling and piracy were its worst form. These illicit activities hit the economic independence of the nation and werelike an economic cancer impacting all strata of society. Hence, it becomes imperative for the judiciary to deal with it appropriately. Actions of the judiciary and the strictness of the actions was the key. Thanking FICCI CASCADE for itssensitization programmes on a topical issue,Justice Mahantyobserved such initiatives would enable the Judiciary to better understand the severity of the growing problem of economic offences and the need to address it firmly.

Mr. P. C. Jha, Ex-Chairman, Central Board of Excise and Customs and Advisor, FICCI CASCADE,in his address,informed that a recently released study by FICCI CASCADE titled ‘Illicit Markets – A Threat to our National Interest’ had estimated that due to illicit trade, loss to manufacturing related sectors had increased by 44.4% in just two years, from ₹ 72,969 crores in 2011-12 to ₹105,381 in 2013-14.

The total loss to the government for manufacturing industries, estimated for 2014, on account of the illicit markets was ₹ 39,239 crores. Mr. Jha also added that the penal provisions in the law and the delay in inflicting the penalties, which were largely inadequate, were not being able to create the desired deterrence. He emphasized that this serious problem could be dealt with only if there was sincere commitment at consumers, government and media levels. Further, this commitment must lead to taking result-oriented effective enforcement steps, in a sustained manner, over a long period of time.

Mr. Arun Chawla, Asst. Secretary General, FICCI, while welcoming the dignitaries and guests, stated that the costs of counterfeiting, piracy and smuggling were not only real, but also huge. With the increase in global trade and technological revolution, there has been an increase in economic crimes. Offences relating to piracy, smuggling and counterfeiting have increased manifold in global market as a result of which the government, businesses, society and consumers are losing millions of rupees.Protection of legitimate right holders isnot only a vital element in encouraging research and innovation, international trade and investment, but also sound economic growth and development. Mr. Chawla also shared the initiatives of FICCI CASCADE in fighting the perils of smuggling and counterfeiting.

The inaugural session was followed by technical sessions. Eminent speakers fromStar India, ITC Ltd, Microsoft Corporations India Ltd, British Deputy High Commission, Thought Arbitrage Research Institute and Delhi University discussed and deliberated on various aspects such as Legal Provisions relating to Offences & Penalties for Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Speedy Adjudication of Economic Offences for the Growth of Indian Industry, International Best Practices for Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Combating Content Theft in M&E Industry, Illicit Market: Threat to National Security and Case Study & Laws related to Smuggling, Counterfeiting & Piracy.

The day-long programme was attended by over 70 trainee judges and a number of sitting high court judges.

Lear More

Interactive Session on “Illicit Markets – Impacting the Indian Growth Trajectory”, New Delhi

by adminApril 7, 2015 Past Events0 comments

07/04/2015 | New Delhi

FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling & Counterfeiting Activities Destroying Economy (FICCI CASCADE) organized an interactive session on Illicit Markets – Impacting the Indian Growth Trajectory on April 7, 2015 in New Delhi. The session enabled a dialogue between the stakeholders on the alarming magnitude of unfair trade practices such as counterfeiting and smuggling and spread awareness about its adverse socio economic impact.

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, chief guest at the event emphasised that illegal trade activities such as smuggling and counterfeiting is a major setback to India’s growth and development. This not only hinders the nation’s progression but also leads to corruption and black money generation.Given the current emphasis on the‘Make in India’ campaign, it becomes imperative that the quality of the products available is not substandard and fake. The Minister further added that illicit trade impacts all sections of society hence it becomes essential to control the quality of goods available in the market.Hon’ble Minister also stated that his ministry would be keen to work with FICCI CASCADE in addressing these issues and invited recommendations in this regard.

On this occasion, the Minister also released 9 sector specific reports entitled ‘Illicit Market: A Threat to Our National Interest’. This is perhaps the first quantitative study in India on the impact of illicit markets on various economic aspects. These sector wise reports, broadly classified into two sections; firstly, the Manufacturing Industry, including FMCG Packaged Foods and Personal Goods, Computer Hardware, Automobiles, Mobile Phones, Tobacco and Alcohol, and secondly, the Media & Entertainment Industry including Broadcasting and Motion Pictures sectors. These reports not only estimates the size of the grey market in the industry sectors, but also highlights the losses to the industry in sales and to the Government in revenue. The studies further assess the impact of illicit markets on innovation, investment, tax arbitrage and financing of organised crime and terrorism.

Dr. Jyotsna Suri, President FICCI in her welcome address stated that the need of the hour today is tangible actions to strengthen our laws, and increase enforcement against illicit trade practices. A coordinated strategy with participation from policy makers, industry, civil society and organizations, is needed to work together and comprehensively address this complex challenge.

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman FICCI CASCADE presented the highlights of the study and said that stakeholders must put national interests above anything else. Due to India’s growing economic clout in the world market, we must be weary of being targeted by illicit trade operators.Mr. Rajput further added that national economic policies will need to give more attention to protecting the domestic economy from smuggled and counterfeit products that can wipe value creation from legitimate players in the economy, and cause loss of potential employment.

The study estimates that the loss to manufacturing related sectors has increased by 44.4% in just two years, from ₹ 72,969 crores in 2011-12 to ₹105,381 in 2013-14. Loss of sales to the manufacturing industry sectors has increased across all industries. The largest increase is seen in the alcoholic beverages and mobile phones industries, where losses have risen by 151% and 111%, respectively. The total loss to the government for manufacturing industries estimated for 2014, on account of the illicit markets is ₹ 39,239 crores, up from ₹ 26,190 crores in 2012. In the motion pictures industry the loss to the industry for 2014 is expected to be ₹ 1,300 crores approximately.Among all the sectors in the manufacturing industry, loss to the government is highest from the tobacco industry (23 percent) followed by mobile phones industry (17 percent), alcohol industry (16%), FMCG Packaged Food (16%), and FMCG Personal Goods (15%). In the motion pictures industry the loss to the industry for 2014 is expected to be ₹ 1,300 crores approximately.

The study also establishes a relationship between high taxes and availability of illicit products. High tax rates tend to exacerbate illicit markets by creating greater demand for cheap and counterfeit substitutes. A significant reason being, that high tariffs and taxes create opportunities for those involved in illicit markets to step in and supply ‘reduced’ versions of the original product at lower prices. This is true for the tobacco and alcohol Industry. These industries are not only highly taxed; the tax structure is highly intense and dual in nature.Besides, there are considerable differences in tax rates between states which open up opportunities for illegal cross-border trade.

Earlier, during National Consumer Rights Week, FICCI CASCADE had organized a youth festival – ‘Youth for Consumer Rights – Towards Socially Responsible Citizens’ in New Delhi. Over 200 students from various schools of Delhi enthusiastically participating in the inter-school Elocution and Painting Competition themed: ‘Youth Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting’. Hon’ble Minister also felicitated the winners of both these competitions during the event.

The interactive session was attended by over 100 participants from industry, policy makers, consumer organizations and was well covered by media.

Media ClippingsDownload Pdf

‘

Lear More

Police Officers Training- Capacity Building Programme, New Delhi

by adminApril 1, 2015 Past Events0 comments

01/04/2015 | Specialized Training Centre, Rajender Nagar Police Station, New Delhi

The Police department is the primary law enforcement agency. It Administers the Government’s economic, trade and tariff policies, handles international traffic of imports & exports, and aids to minimize demerit goods from augmenting in the markets. With low barriers to market entry and infiltration, the Police play a very significant role in ensuring and enforcing the protection of right owners. Keeping the above in view,FICCI CASCADE organized a training programme for the Delhi Police officers on April 01, 2015 at the Rajender Nagar Police Station, New Delhi,with an objective of equipping the police officers to understand and take requisite action against counterfeiters and smugglers.

Mr. S. B. K. Singh, IPS, Special Commissioner Security, Delhi Police, the Chief Guest at the programme,emphasized that the police had a significant role in fighting the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting. He stated that although counterfeiting waslooked at as a victimless crime, it had many far-reaching consequences and it was extremely important for a police officer to understand the consequences before taking actions on ground. Only then will an officer investigating a case related to smuggling and counterfeiting be able to understand and take suitable actions. He further added that awareness generation on counterfeit and smuggled items is a must as this acted as a deterrent to the illicit market operations.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE,in his address informed about FICCI CASCADE’s mandate of capacity building of law enforcement agencies including for Judges, Police and Customs Officers, and how CASCADE had been working extensively in this area nationally. The emphasis was on organizing training programmes and seminars along with continuous interactions with the law enforcement authorities to underline the importance of increased awareness on the serious problem of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

Mr. Chand correlated smuggling and counterfeiting activity with the security challenge in different environments around the world. He cited that illicit trade especially in two product categories i.e. tobacco and alcohol were being increasingly used to fund anti-social and terrorist activities. Mr. Chand also observed that the need of the hour was tangible actions to increase enforcement, and to impose increased punishments. This was imperative to reassure legitimate business owners and consumers that the government was serious about protecting right owners which, in turn, would elicit greater support for government policies.

The training programme was attended by over 60 police officers and provided a useful platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the enforcement of laws and practices while dealing with counterfeiters and smugglers.The speakers deliberated on the various aspects that a police officer needed to keep in mind while investigating cases of smuggling and counterfeiting, including: Legal Provisions to Offences & Penalties for Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Provisions under Patents, Design, Trademarks and Geographical Indications Acts and Practical know-how of Investigation of IP and related Economic Crimes. The speakers included Dr. Alka Chawla, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi and Advisor, FICCI Intellectual Property Education Centre, Ms. Prem Lata, Senior Assistant Registrar, Trade Marks & G.I., Delhi Patent Office, Mr. I K Jha, Inspector, Delhi Police and Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Inspector, Delhi Police.

The participating police personnel found the presentations constructive and interacted actively with the speakers.

Lear More