ARUN SHOURIE CALLS FOR PROMPT PUNISHMENT FOR I.P.R. VIOLATIONS

---

The Communication, I.T. and Disinvestment Minister, Shri Arun Shourie has called for severe and prompt punishment for people violating Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Releasing the Special Day Cover on World Intellectual Property Day here today he said that strengthening of IPR will help in increasing investment in Research & Development particularly in sectors of bio-technology, software, pharmaceuticals and entertainment. Calling for awareness on I.P.R., the Minister said there should be more stress and re-educating the police agencies and judiciary of the new forms of crime. Making strong point for taking benefit of new I.P. regime, Shri Shourie said that reforms in various sectors must roll on. He referred to criticism of enactment of reforms in the Communication and Insurance and IPR sectors and said that most of the fears of critics have been unfounded. Giving an example of China, the Minister said, the neighbouring country has set up about 5000 schools to educate how to write and protect the I.P.R.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pravin Anand, Chairman, IPR Promotion Advisory Committee wanted more respect for IPR so that ideas can be converted into wealth, making it useful for the nation.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Department of I.T., Shri Rajiv Rattan Shah, Secretary, Post, Smt. P. Balasubramanian and senior officials and experts from I.T. and Postal Sector.