Struggle for creation of an economically strong Bihar and efforts to contribute to nation building through development of trade and industry stand out as central themes in the history of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce (BCC), which completed its Platinum Jubilee recently.

The commercial class has played an important role in the socioeconomic development of India from ancient times. Historical evidence indicates that commerce was the engine that powered much of the famed affluence and urban development of the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2300 B.C.). By the time of the Mauryan Empire (third century B.C.), organized guilds of traders and artisans emerged, whose influence reached a peak during the five or six centuries (200 B.C. to A.D. 300) that followed the disintegration  of  the  Empire.  These  guilds  were  self-regulatory bodies which laid down regulations and codes of conduct that intended to protect the interests of not just the traders and artisans, but the customers as well. In many ways, they were the fore-runners of the present day Chambers of Commerce.

The contributions of  the mercantile  class in modem India, in the struggle for freedom from colonial rule and in paving way for the country's emergence as an economic power house, has also been noteworthy. Endorsements of their services have come even from Mahatma Gandhi, who went ahead to prescribe the "trusteeship" concept to ensure that the benefits of commerce reach the poor and the needy. Most of the trade associations in independent India have acknowledged the ideas of the Father of the Nation and the Bihar Chamber of Commerce has been no exception.

Ever since its inception in 1926, the BCC has shown a sense of responsibility towards the welfare of the entire society, even while giving voice to the aspirations of the business community. The Chamber has strived to support and popularise government's policies and assisted in their implementation. Through such a supplementary role, it could build a bridge between the government and the business community and ensure that a variety of skills and experience available with the private sector were channelised in the right direction, benefiting the entire society. In its bid to promote economic activities, it helped in the establishment of Magadh Stock Exchange at Patna. Maintaining a strictly non-political outlook, the Chamber has succeeded in building partnerships with the academic world to foster development of the economy. The BCC has also extended material and moral support to the needy in a big way in times natural disasters and calamities. Its support to the cause of national security has been noteworthy. On the front of societal concerns, it has worked for eradication of untouchability and other social evils, and for promotion of literacy and creation of employment avenues.

The Department of Posts is happy to release a postage stamp on the Bihar Chamber of Commerce.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India