NEW DELHI, 28 February 2022: FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) has collaborated with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Govt of India, to encourage the country's youth to be a part in the socio-economic development of the nation by creating a youth movement against smuggling and counterfeiting. In this endeavor, FICCI CASCADE, jointly with the Ministry is organizing a painting competition, on the theme 'Youth for Socio-Economic Development - Paving the Way for India's Amrit Kaal'.

Mr Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Govt of India said, "Our future generations are the hope for real change, empowering and strengthening them to act for national development will help in shaping the future of our country in a brighter and more prosperous manner. World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year by our ministry to protect the rights of consumers and to ensure that the consumers are not subjected to market abuse or social injustice that may undermine their rights."

According to a 2019 FICCI CASCADE study, large scale smuggling in only five Indian industries resulted in a loss of Rs 1,17,253 crore to the economy. It also led to 16.36 lakh job losses. Currently, India is the fastest-growing economy and is projected to be the world's third largest economy by 2035. At this stage, it is imperative to put an end to smuggling and counterfeiting, which has the potential to derail the country's growth momentum.

Mr Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE said, "The youth of India are the country's future. As India marks 75 years of its glorious independence and enters into Amrit Kaal, the 25-year-long leadup to India@100, the youth will play a pivotal role in nation building and advocating socially responsible behavior towards the country's development."

FICCI CASCADE is a dedicated forum on the agenda of combating smuggling and counterfeiting.  Over the years, FICCI CASCADE is working on creating awareness on tackling this problem which is a serious threat to public health and safety. Along with policy makers, industry, enforcement officials and media, CASCADE has been working closely with the country's youth in its fight to address this issue through various interschool and intercollege competitions and programmes.

In a global first, FICCI CASCADE also launched the Anti-Smuggling Day on 11th February this year to raise greater consciousness and create a global response in addressing this menace.