FICCI CASCADE with an aim to sensitise the young people on various modalities…, Patna

22/1/2014 | Patna

“Freedom from Fakes and Smuggled goods”

FICCI CASCADE with an aim to sensitise the young people on various modalities of working together to address the harms posed by counterfeiting and smuggling organised a youth festival- An Inter-College Competition on the theme of Youth Against Counterfeiting and Smuggling in collaboration with Magadh Mahila College and Adyopant Legal services on 22^nd January, 2013 in Patna.

FICCI CASCADE is arming the consumer with knowledge to make informed choices and awareness of the ill-effects of fake, counterfeit and smuggled products.  Youth Festival was organized to energize the consumers to take up the fight against Smuggling and Counterfeiting.  Around 250 students took enthusiastic interest in the topic and around 80 students participated in multiple competitions to help the economy with their zeal to eradicate this menace.

Professor (Dr.) Dolly Sinha, Principal delivered the welcome address and highlighted the impacts of counterfeiting and smuggling in the state of Bihar. Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE gave an overview on the growing menace of counterfeiting and smuggling. He asked for consumer support to fight this problem and raised consumer awareness on the topic by highlighting various examples and also sharing the magnitude of the problem which has stretched long and where government is facing immense loss in term of revenue and human are facing health and safety risk.

FICCI CASCADE seeks to strengthen the movement against counterfeiting and smuggling for social development and economic growth of the nation. Shri Shyam Rajak, Hon’ble Minister for Food and Consumer Protection, Government of Bihar in his special address emphasised on the growing terrorism being funded by such organised crimes.  The affect of the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling is creating on the Indian economy was discussed. He also stated that such activities are causing Rs. 1,00,000 crores annual sales loss to industry and Rs. 26, 190 crores annual Tax loss to government referring to FICCI CASCADE study on “Socio-economic Impact of Counterfeiting, Smuggling and Tax evasion in seven key Industry Sectors”. He encouraged the youth to take part in such competitions and work for the benefit of society as a whole.  He also emphasised on the need to ask for a bill as a proof of every purchase to claim against this crime. He congratulated FICCI CASCADE and also mentioned that government is trying to reduce the amount of tax on the products and have seeked Central Govt support for the same.

Counterfeiters and Smugglers are malignant to the economy and industries and have been ruining the culture and system of the country, hence with a thought to discard such rotten apples from the society, one need to understand the extent to which it has destroyed the roots.

The problem of the growth of illicit activities like smuggling and counterfeiting is alarming and every individual must target at exterminating this demon from the society. It lacks passion and through such awareness programme, FICCI CASCADE tends to ignite that passion among the youth to take this initiative ahead and fight the perils of counterfeiting and smuggling.