Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, July 3: Additional Secretary, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Dr Mehraj-ud-Din Rather yesterday said that COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the dangers posed by illicit trade. These times call for greater focus on the growing hazards of arms smuggling and counterfeiting by taking immediate steps to curb the illegal activities.
Addressing a webinar on ‘Combating Counterfeiting and Smuggling during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond’ organized by FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE), Dr Rather said, “Many consumers are unaware of the dangerous nature of deceptive counterfeit products.”
Speaking on the role of consumers, he mentioned, “The attitude of consumers towards buying counterfeit goods needs to change. Constant vigilance and consumer awareness will play a key role in combating the growing trade of illicit goods.”
Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said, “The UT of J&K is particularly vulnerable to the ill effects of illicit trade and this is due to the environment of instability created by the hostility amongst the neighbouring nations.”
Manish K. Sinha, Inspector General, Crime, Jammu and Kashmir Police said, “Counterfeiting has an adverse impact in J&K as illegal trade not only leads to revenue loss to the Government but also leads to unemployment amongst the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. To address the issue, there is a need for policy level coordination between police and the industry bodies.”
D.P Dash, Former Pr. Director-General, DRI and Former Chairman, Enforcement Committee, World Customs Organisation also spoke on the occasion.
The webinar was attended by industry, Government officials and officers from enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
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