Ficci CASCADE forms 12-member think tank to fight illicit trade

Industry chamber Ficci's anti-smuggling and anti-counterfeiting arm, Ficci CASCADE today said it has roped in ex-DIPP secretary Ajay Shankar and former CBI director Anil Sinha, among others, to form a think tank as part of efforts to curb illicit trade practices.

Ficci CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) said in a statement that it has constituted a think tank which will advise and provide necessary inputs in formulating a strong and effective future course of action to eliminate the menace of illicit trade.

The other members of the think tank include Hem Kumar Pande, former secretary in ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution; Justice Manmohan Sarin, former Lokayukta, NCT of Delhi and Najib Shah, ex-chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

Ex-Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar; former Research and Analysis Wing chief Sanjeev Tripathi; ex-Director General, CRPF Vikram Srivastava, international expert Kameswari Subramanian and Anil Rajput, Chairman, Ficci CASCADE are also members of the think tank, the statement added.

Rajput said the problem of illicit trade is serious and needs to be dealt on war footing.

"This think tank will develop a road map to address the challenges and proactively work with the policy makers to devise a framework which will protect and promote legal Industry in the country," he added.