Minister calls for stronger enforcement collaboration to tackle illicit trade

Counterfeiting and smuggling not only harm legitimate businesses but also exploit consumers by exposing them to unsafe and substandard products.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Protecting consumer rights is central to building a fair and transparent marketplace, and this requires a united effort from government agencies, industry, and civil society, said Biplab Mitra, minister-in-charge, consumer affairs department.

The minister was addressing the FICCI-CASCADE seminar on 'Strengthening Security: Strategies to Combat Counterfeiting and Smuggling' recently. Mr Mitra emphasised the state government's strong commitment to safeguarding consumer interests through coordinated efforts with law enforcement, industry stakeholders, and the community. The state, he noted, is leveraging technology and intelligence-based surveillance to detect and deter illicit activities, particularly along border and coastal areas.