Date:18/02/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/02/18/stories/2004021801490400.htm

Back CII told to join Govt in anti-counterfeiting drive

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Feb. 17

ADOPT zero tolerance for counterfeiting, make the consumer aware of redressal mechanisms, and involve the trade in curbing the menace of counterfeiting. These were some of the concerns voiced by industry experts at a conference hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on combating counterfeiting.

"The welfare of the consumer is under serious threat," said Mr Navin Chawla, Secretary, Consumer Affairs Department.

Urging the CII to join hands with the Government to combat counterfeiting, Mr Chawla invited the organisation to be an active partner in its drive against counterfeits by joining the working group on counterfeits, fakes, and spurious and contraband products.

Stating that the Department was planning print and multimedia publicity campaigns to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities, Mr Chawla called for strengthening of the penal provisions of preventive legislations.

He urged trade and industry to develop good vendors and subcontractors and destroy rejected products to stop diversion into markets.

Dr Sudhir Kapur, Member, CII Northern Region Council, and Managing Director, Lurgi India, emphasised CII's recommendation for a strong approach against counterfeiting.

Mr Vikram Bakshi, Chairman, CII, Delhi State Council, and Managing Director, Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd, said that the confederation would immediately address a vital element of combating counterfeiting by educating consumers to differentiate between counterfeits and fakes.