Authentication solutions integrated with digital
technologies can help in India’s fight against counterfeiting and assure better
consumer protection and public welfare. New technology authentication, track
and trace and tamper evident solutions are key to curbing huge economic losses
that the government and brands face on account of illicit markets.
Authentication Solution Providers’ Association
(ASPA) and CSIR – NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and
Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India) have
agreed to join hands after signing a MoU for knowledge sharing, research and
development of new generation Physical and Digital Authentication Solutions to
support Make in India program and strengthening India’s position as a global
leader in fight against counterfeit goods and products. Pooling in their
resources together both these pioneering organizations can progress rapidly on
India’s fight against counterfeiting. The decision was taken in the recently
concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ASPA.
ASPA in its AGM (Annual general meeting) announced
its new governing body. Mr. Nakul Pasricha was elected as the new President of
ASPA, in recognition of his ongoing efforts to promote the Digital
Authentication industry in India. Mr. Pasricha, CEO & President, PharmaSecure
has been elected as the president of ASPA for the first time. This is the first
time in ASPA history, that a command has been given to Digital Authentication
Solutions providers.
Mr. Arun Agarwal will hold the position of Vice
President, Mr. Luv D. Shriram will be the General Secretary &
Treasurer, Mr. U. K. Gupta is Ex-Officio and Mr. Nityanand Shenoy and Mr.
Dinesh Jain are Co-opted members, Mr. Sanjay Kumbhat and Mr. Ashish Chandra are
also the members of the governing body.
While addressing the gathering, Mr. Nakul Pasricha,
President, ASPA said, “ASPA has decided to focus on research and advancement
and innovation, upgrading their current technologies, systems and processes to
cope up with the global markets. The Association has been a driving force in
bringing awareness around benefits of authentication solutions in stakeholders
- government, decision makers, business leaders and customers.”
Mr. Nakul Pasricha added, “Today Brand owners
& authorities are looking towards us to provide new generation physical
and digital authentication solutions in order to fight fake and spurious
products. We are committed to help all stakeholders in fighting counterfeiting activities
and will speed up our ongoing campaigns like Make Sure India & Brand
protection Awareness initiatives across India.
Meanwhile, Mr. Arun Agarwal, the Chief Executive
Officer of Kantas Track Pack India Ltd. expressed his pleasure on being elected
as the ASPA vice-president. He said, “I am honoured to be re-elected as Vice
President of this distinguished association. At the cusp of a transformation, I
look forward to working closely with ASPA teams to deliver on our core principles
of creating brand protection awareness and advocacy for promotion of authentication
solutions in country and consumer interests.”
Today, nearly every industry in India such as
Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, Automotive, Mineral Water, etc face the menace of
dealing with counterfeiting. Selling fake and illegal mineral water bottles has
attracted many gangs in the country. Our Government seems to be proactive
on taking a holistic approach to consumer protection and public welfare. ASPA
as an industry body is aligned to support them in protecting brands and
safeguarding consumer interest and assure that member companies are fully
geared up to help industries meet this challenge.
The date of the 3 rd Edition of The
Authentication Forum, Leadership Summit on Anti-Counterfeiting & Brand
Protection was also announced at the AGM. The two-day landmark event will be
held at Hotel Lalit, New Delhi on 7-8 November 2019.
Going forward ASPA is looking to expand knowledge
and availability of promising anti-counterfeiting technologies including
Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, NFC, RFID, Traceability and other covert
and overt Physical Authentication features.
To strengthen the authentication solution ecosystem
in the country the Association will also concentrate its energy on formation of
regional chapters and committees. This will help the association to reach close
to indigenous Indian brands and more importantly the consumers.
