29/12/2013| Lucknow

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) continues to be in the forefront of the fight against the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting and is back again with yet another consumer engagement programme to fight the evils of smuggling and counterfeiting. FICCI CASCADE raises its voice to inform the consumers on the growing menace of counterfeiting and smuggling and ask for consumer support to fight this menace. The Committee organized a Cyclothon on the theme of “Fight Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting”. The purpose of the event was to raise consumer awareness and translate it into action to curb counterfeiting and smuggling.

Shri Bhagwat Sharan Gangwar, Hon’ble Minister of State for SSI & EP, Government of UP graced the event with his presence Around 250 participants took a pledge to take proactive action and “Quit Fake” and “Fight Smuggling”.

Shri Bhagwat Sharan Gangwar flagged off the Cyclothon and invoked the pledge of “Quit Fake” and “Fight Smuggling” among the participants. In his address he congratulated FICCI CASCADE for initiating such an important movement and asked the youth to actively join this movement in the interest of nation’s economy and security. He observed that the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling is not only harming the industry and the government but also tarnishing the country’s image. He acknowledged the problem as huge and the end consumer as the main sufferers. He mentioned that consumers are duped because he is not receiving his money’s worth. At the same time the consumer ends up having lesser schools, hospitals and other facilities because government loses revenue due to counterfeiting and smuggling. He also emphasized on the public risks due to ever increasing criminalization of the society and black money being generated through these means.

FICCI CASCADE understands that increasing consumer awareness about the menace of smuggling and counterfeiting is one way to fight against this huge problem impacting all sections of society, including government, industry and most importantly the consumer. By arming the consumer with knowledge to make informed choices and awareness of the ill-effects of fake, counterfeit and smuggled products, FICCI CASCADE is raising the slogan of “Quit Fake” and “Fight Smuggling” on an All-India basis.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE emphasised that an increase in excise and VAT rates will not curtail consumption of sin products instead it will lead to incentivising smuggling and counterfeiting therefore causing heavy losses to the ex-chequer. This is only a myth that high rate of tax can reduce consumption of sin products and discourage purchase of such goods. On the contrary this gives incentive to unscrupulous and anti-social elements in society creating a major security threat to the nation. Thus tax arbitrage creates opportunity for smuggling and counterfeiting. Policy makers should ensure that there is moderation in taxation so that we create a climate of win-win for government and consumer.

The Cyclothon was enthusiastically attended and emphasis was laid on the fact that citizens of the country are an important force to fight this socio-economic menace and consumers need to be vigilant towards their rights when making purchases they must strongly insist on a bill.

FICCI CASCADE encourages individuals to take up this case and be a CASCADER of the country to fight this socio-economic menace and take a pledge that we would not buy fake and smuggled goods.