Contact FICCIImmediate Collective Effort Required to Arrest the Growth of Smuggling, Counterfeiting: DG Police, Jharkhand
Jul 06, 2023
- Government suffers tax loss of Rs 58,521 crore due to illicit trade in five key Indian Industries – FICCI CASCADE Repor
- Products which cause maximum revenue loss to the exchequer: FMCG-packaged foods (Rs 17,074 crore), alcoholic beverages (Rs 15,262 crore) and tobacco products (Rs 13,331 crore)
- Illicit market in 5 industries, including mobile phones, FMCG-household and personal goods, FMCG-packaged foods, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages is valued at Rs 2,60,094 crore
RANCHI, 06 July 2023: Mr Ajay Kumar Singh, Director General of Police, Jharkhand today said, “Raising awareness about counterfeiting and smuggling is crucial for safeguarding consumer health and safety. Educational programs will play a crucial role in informing consumers about the hazards associated with illicit products, empowering them to make informed decisions and shield themselves from potential risks. By promoting awareness and fostering a vigilant mindset, we can provide consumers with the necessary knowledge and resources to recognize and steer clear of counterfeit and smuggled items, thereby enhancing their overall safety and well-being.”
Addressing FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) program on ‘Breaking the Chains of Illicit Trade: Seminar to Curb Counterfeiting and Smuggling,’ Mr Singh proposed that FICCI CASCADE should conduct youth awareness programs in Jharkhand on a regular basis, with the aim of inspiring the state's youth to contribute actively towards our goal of eliminating illicit trade.
Mr Kishor Kaushal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranchi, emphasized the significance of awareness in eliminating the growing menace of illicit trade, which has a direct impact on our everyday lives. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing this issue and urged individuals to refrain from purchasing fake/smuggled items, instead encouraging them to opt for genuine products. He stressed the need for consumers to insist on obtaining receipts when making purchases, as a proactive measure to protect themselves from deceitful market operators.
Mr PC Jha, Advisor of FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, expressed deep concern over the extensive implications of illicit trade in India. He emphasized that this issue is alarming as it not only results in substantial financial losses for the government but also poses significant risks to the well-being and safety of the citizens. The act of smuggling and counterfeiting not only tarnishes the reputation of our nation but also hampers the progress and growth of our country. Shri Jha emphasized the urgent need to prioritize and actively pursue robust awareness campaigns to effectively combat illicit trade.
Mr Rajiva Ranjan Verma, Former Director General of RPF, NCRB, Civil Defense, Home Guard & Fire Services, and BPR&D, highlighted the crucial significance of the youth in combating the rampant problems of smuggling and counterfeiting.
The active involvement of the youth is essential in tackling the challenges posed by smuggling and counterfeiting, as they possess the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking needed to effectively address these issues and create an illicit trade-free society.
The Director General also felicitated School Children for the inter-school competition organised by FICCI CASCADE on the theme ‘Role of Youth in Making India Free from Smuggling & Counterfeiting’. The competition witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 300 students from over 35 schools of Ranchi, Jharkhand. The list of the awardees is as follows:
|
Winners |
Speech Competition |
Painting Competition |
Jingle Writing Competition |
|
1st Prize
|
Khushi Pradhan, S S Doranda Girls High school |
Alice Bilung, St. John School High School |
Priyanka Oraon, KGBV Chanho |
|
2nd Prize
|
Shagufta kashaf, Govt. Shankari +2 High School |
Akashi Tirkey, JBAV Nagri |
Unnati Kumari S S +2 High School |
|
3rd Prize |
Neha Kumari, KGBV Ormanjhi High School |
Anita Kumari, KGBV Silli |
Rani Sahiba, Govt. Girls High School |
The seminar discussed the importance of increased awareness on the hazards of counterfeiting and smuggling, and the need for effective enforcement to enhance India’s economic development. The seminar also deliberated on FICCI CASCADE’s recent report titled Illicit Markets: A Threat to Our National Interests, which examines the impact of illicit trade in five key industries in India — Mobile Phones, FMCG-Household and Personal Goods, FMCG-Packaged Foods, Tobacco Products, and Alcoholic Beverages.
FICCI CASCADE has recently released a report examining illicit market in 5 Key Indian industries, including mobile phones, FMCG-household and personal goods, FMCG-packaged foods, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages. According to the report, the size of illicit market in the above-mentioned industries was ₹2,60,094 crore for the year 2019-20, with the FMCG industry — household and personal goods, and packaged foods — together accounting for 3/4th of the total illicit value of goods in five key industries.
|
Illicit Market Size |
|
|
Industry |
Value (Rs In Crores) |
|
Mobile Phones |
15,884 |
|
FMCG - Household & Personal Goods |
55,530 |
|
FMCG - Packaged Foods |
1,42,284 |
|
Tobacco Products |
22,930 |
|
Alcoholic Beverages |
23,466 |
|
Tax Loss |
|
|
Industry |
Value (Rs In Crores) |
|
Mobile Phones |
2,859 |
|
FMCG - Household & Personal Goods |
9,995 |
|
FMCG - Packaged Foods |
17,074 |
|
Tobacco Products |
13,331 |
|
Alcoholic Beverages |
15,262 |