Past Events

FICCI CASCADE has been dedicatedly working towards raising awareness about the grave issue of smuggling and counterfeiting, which poses a significant threat to public health and safety. We have been collaborating with policymakers, industry experts, enforcement officials, media, and the youth to combat this menace through various inter-school and inter-college competitions and programs.

Recognizing the significance of engaging youth in our awareness campaign, we aim to empower them to actively contribute to the nation’s development. By involving the younger generation, we can collectively forge a path towards a more promising and prosperous future for our country.

With this objective, FICCI CASCADE is organizing a Youth Awareness Programme on the theme titled the “Role of Youth in Making India Free from Smuggling & Counterfeiting” on 1st December 2023 in Jaipur. The programme will comprise various competitions, including painting, speech, and jingle writing, among students from various schools in Jaipur.

November 17, 2023| Police Training School, Jharoda Kalan

The issues of counterfeiting and smuggling are substantial challenges that afflict our society, demanding the utmost attention and priority from law enforcement agencies. It is essential to consistently enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to comprehend the gravity of the issue and take requisite actions against those responsible.

While adequate laws are in place, their implementation is pivotal in the battle against counterfeiting and smuggling. Thus, the role of police officers is crucial in confronting these socio-economic threats, which jeopardize both the economy and individual well-being.

In this regard, FICCI CASCADE is organising a training program to sensitize police officers in New Delhi on 17th November 2023. The aim of this program is to combat the harmful effects of illicit trade in our society and help eradicate these dangerous parasites from our economy with the support of police officers.

October 30, 2023| Rajender Nagar, New Delhi

The issues of counterfeiting and smuggling are substantial challenges that afflict our society, demanding the utmost attention and priority from law enforcement agencies. It is essential to consistently enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to comprehend the gravity of the issue and take requisite actions against those responsible.

While adequate laws are in place, their implementation is pivotal in the battle against counterfeiting and smuggling. Thus, the role of police officers is crucial in confronting these socio-economic threats, which jeopardize both the economy and individual well-being.

In this regard, FICCI CASCADE is organising a training program to sensitize police officers in New Delhi on 30th October 2023. The aim of this program is to combat the harmful effects of illicit trade in our society and help eradicate these dangerous parasites from our economy with the support of police officers.

25 th August 2023, Friday | FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi

FICCI CASCADE acknowledges the importance of involving the younger generation in our awareness initiatives against illicit trade practices and harnessing their influence to make a positive impact on society. By empowering and nurturing them, we can foster a generation that actively contributes to the country’s development and shapes a more promising future. FICCI CASCADE organizes zero evasion every year and strives to bolster awareness about the detrimental impacts of illicit trade on our economy, health and safety.

With an objective to sensitize the young minds on the need to work together to address the growing hazards posed by counterfeiting and smuggling, FICCI CASCADE organised a Youth Awareness Programme “Zero Evasion- Role of Youth in Making India Free from Smuggling & Counterfeiting” on 25 th August at FICCI, Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi. The competition was divided in three categories: Painting, Elocution and Jingle Writing. The programme saw an overwhelming response and participation from more than 600+ students from 70 leading schools in Delhi and NCR.

Students enthusiastically and passionately participated in the programme, demonstrating their commitment in taking every essential measure to combat illicit trade. The competition showcased a diverse range of ideas, creative expressions, talent, and content through speeches, artworks, and written submissions. The youth awareness program successfully served as a platform to engage more individuals, especially young people, in advancing its efforts to suppress illicit trade in India.

The competition was judged by Mr. PC Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs; Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi and Mr. P. K. Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Govt. of India and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE.

Mr P.C. Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs highlighted that being the consumers of tomorrow, school children will play a key role in shaping the future of trade, and therefore, it is necessary to help them understand the impact of smuggling and counterfeiting on the economy and development of the nation. Mr. Jha apprised that FICCI CASCADE has been working towards this goal and organizing competitions every year to create awareness and inspire students to lead a youth movement against this growing menace.

Mr. P. K. Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Govt. of India mentioned that illegal trading not only impacts the present but also the future of our nation. It is imperative that the youth recognize the power they hold and navigate this challenge to shape a better tomorrow. By being vigilant consumers and responsible citizens, can refuse to support or engage in any form of illegal trade and build a society that thrives on ethical practices.

“Enlightening the younger generation is the key to eradicating the scourge of smuggling and counterfeiting. As tomorrow’s leaders, they have the capacity to mould a future free from these threats by embracing ethical choices and responsible citizenship”, said Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE, and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi

The winners in the competitions were as follows:

The competitions not only showcased the talents and innovative capabilities of the school students but also revealed their fervor to instigate a societal transformation by rejecting counterfeit products and refusing smuggled goods. The purpose of this youth awareness programme was to illuminate the issue and confront the mounting danger posed by illicit trade. The goal was to nurture a generation that is equipped to make informed decisions, support legitimate businesses, and contribute to the overall welfare of society

5^th August 2023|FICCI, New Delhi

India is a victim of a large-scale smuggling and counterfeiting web, entangling not only our legal industry and economy, but also the consumers who are exposed to grave risks to life and security. It has been observed that a large section of the population who have been impacted by the issue of smuggling and counterfeiting remain unaware of its lethality. In this regard a sensitization strategy is of paramount importance.

As part of our ongoing commitment to raise widespread awareness regarding the adverse impacts of smuggling and counterfeiting on our economy, society, as well as health and safety, FICCI CASCADE successfully orchestrated an Auto Rally on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Tansen Marg, New Delhi. The rally served as a platform to engage with the community and educate them about the harmful impacts of illicit trade. The initiative witnessed over 250 auto rickshaws forming a convoy as they traversed a designated route which commenced from FICCI, Federation House at Tansen Marg.

Mr. Neeraj Singh, Chair, FICCI Young Leaders Forum, UP Chapter, Politician and Social Worker was the chief guest at the programme and ceremoniously initiated the rally by flagging it off. Mr. Singh highlighted that smuggling and counterfeiting not only hinder economic progress, but also jeopardize the future of our youth, cause job losses and pose health risks. To achieve our goal of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy, and eventually the world’s largest economy, we must stand united and raise awareness against this critical issue. Mr. Singh expressed his gratitude to FICCI CASCADE for launching this campaign and extended his heartfelt thanks to all auto drivers who have come forward to support this cause.

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE opined that illicit trade inflicts significant harm on individual industries and has a substantial negative impact on employment generation and economic growth. Mr. Rajput underscored that Illicit trade also poses a dual challenge for the government, not only does it result in a loss of legitimate tax revenue, but it also demands additional allocation of resources for enforcement and public health measures.

Mr. Rajput highlighted that there is now a pressing need to intensify the campaign against smuggling and counterfeiting and highlight their detrimental consequences. The auto rally provides an opportunity to actively involve the Indian citizenry and make them aware of the multifaceted issues and challenges associated with illicit trade, emphasized Mr. Rajput.

During the rally, several important messages were conveyed, shedding light on the grave consequences of illicit trade. The primary message underscored the fact that illicit trade acts as a funding channel for crime syndicates and aids in financing terror activities, posing a critical matter of concern for national security. The second message highlighted the direct link between smuggling, counterfeiting, and terrorism funding, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the nation. The third message opined that the attention to the human cost, underscoring that the activities of smugglers and counterfeiters put lives at risk. Lastly, the rally raised awareness about the adverse economic impact, as India faces job losses due to the rampant prevalence of smuggling and counterfeiting. The messages aimed to mobilize collective efforts and encourage actions to combat this menace and protect our society’s well- being and prosperity.

The auto rally was meticulously coordinated, following a route that spanned Tansen Marg, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Outer Circle Connaught Place, Janpath, Tolstoy Marg, and Barakhamba Road, ultimately concluding its journey at FICCI, Federation House.

7 July 2023| Doranda , Ranchi

Over the course of its existence, FICCI CASCADE has fostered close collaborations with governmental bodies, industrial stakeholders, enforcement authorities, legal professionals, consumer groups, and the youth to generate awareness about the detrimental effects of counterfeiting and smuggling on our economy, health and safety. In addition to various initiatives, FICCI CASCADE consistently interacts with law enforcement agencies, encompassing the police, customs, and paramilitary organizations involved in border safeguarding.

FICCI CASCADE organized a Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling on 7th July 2023 at Doranda, Ranchi. The programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Anoop Birtharay, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jharkhand, who attended as the chief guest. Addressing the Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling he stated that illicit trade in terms of smuggling and counterfeiting are adversely impacting the legitimate economic activity of the country. It deprives the government’s revenues for investment in vital public services, dislocating millions of legitimate jobs and causing irreversible damage to public health and safety.

Mr. Birtharay emphasized the need for capacity building programs aimed at enhancing the skills, infrastructure, and technology of law enforcement agencies to improve their ability to detect and investigate crimes related to counterfeiting and smuggling. Mr. Birtharay highlighted the necessity of coordinated efforts among the government, industry bodies, and enforcement agencies to effectively combat the expanding threat.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi opined that the escalating prevalence of smuggling and counterfeiting presents a substantial hazard to economies that are knowledge-driven, open, and interconnected. He underlined the importance of the police department in upholding both the national security and economic welfare of the nation. This encompasses thwarting criminal enterprises from profiting through illicit endeavours and ensuring a secure environment for lawful businesses to operate.

Mr. Avinash Sinha, Regional Manager, Industry Affairs (East), ITC Ltd. stated that within the realm of illicit and smuggled items, cigarettes have risen to prominence as an exceptionally profitable commodity. This category has experienced a significant surge, marking a substantial increase in recent times, and it now constitutes a third of the legal cigarette market within the nation. This situation necessitates a more vigilant action and stringent enforcement measures to effectively control the proliferation of illegal cigarettes across India, he elaborated.

Mr. Milind Palany, Senior Manager, Global Brand Protection, Southern Asia and ANZ Cluster, Kenvue emphasized that there exists a pressing demand for law enforcement entities to possess comprehensive resources and expertise to effectively shield consumers from the inherent hazards linked with illicit trade practices.

The programme witnessed an enthusiastic engagement from over 85 police officers of Jharkhand Police. The capacity building initiative aimed to equip the officers with in-depth knowledge and effective strategies to combat these illicit trade activities.

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.

6th July 2023| Ranchi, Jharkhand

In our pursuit to make India free from the clutches of smuggling and counterfeiting, the active engagement of today’s youth emerges as a central and catalytic force. FICCI CASCADE acknowledges the importance of enlisting the younger generation in its awareness campaign, envisioning their potential to instigate significant transformations throughout society. With a focus on generating large scale awareness and engaging in outreach initiatives, FICCI CASCADE underscores their essential role in nurturing a proactive approach to address the mounting hazards posed by counterfeiting and smuggling.

A competition aimed at youth, centered around the theme titled ” Role of Youth in Making India Free from Smuggling & Counterfeiting,” was successfully organized on 6th July 2023 at St. Jones High School, Karbala Tank Road, Ranchi. The programme encompassed three distinct competitions: Painting, Elocution, and Jingle Writing. This engaging initiative garnered tremendous enthusiasm, with a remarkable turnout of over 300 young participants hailing from 35 prominent schools in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The competition was designed to generate awareness within the youth and seek their support in effectively addressing the escalating dangers posed by counterfeiting and smuggling.

The elocution competition was judged by Ms. Dolly Jaiswal, Assistant Teacher, B.S.P School, Ranchi; Ms. Preeti Pandey, Government Teacher Training College, Bariatu and Mr. Dhruv kumar Pandey, +2 High School, Kanke, Ranchi. The painting competition was judged by Dr. Zakir Hussain, Assistant Teacher; Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya, +2 High School, Umedanda , Ranchi; Ms. Rajni Sen, Balika Shiksha Bhawan High School, Lalpur, Ranchi and Mr. Siyon Minz, Para Teacher Upgraded Middle School, Arsande, Kanke , Ranchi. The jingle writing competition was judged by Mr. Anand Prakash Mishra, Assistant Teacher, Model School, kanke, Ranchi, Mr. Paritosh Chaudhary, P.G.T Marwari +2 High School, Ranchi and Ms. Indraneel Mukherjee, P.G.T +2 High School, Rahe, Ranchi.

Winners of the competition were:

The competitions showcased an array of ingenious ideas, innovative expressions, talents, and captivating content through speeches, artworks, and written submissions. These dynamic and diverse expressions illuminated the profound impact that informed and engaged youth can have in the collective effort to combat the challenges of counterfeiting and smuggling.