MUMBAI, December 18: Ten years away from its centenary, the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) has decided to mobilise public opinion on corruption, led by Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. This apex body of industry in Western India, has, for 90 years, played an important role in the development of as well as mobilised support for trade and industry.

The theme selected for the meeting with the prime minister on Sunday is `Tackling corruption -- A National agenda.' Ram Gandhi, IMC president, will speak on: understanding the impact of corruption on economic growth, remedies and the IMC's role.

The chamber has invited union ministers, chief ministers, bureaucrats, ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of various departments for an exchange of ideas on issues facing the nation.

Since independence, the IMC has played an important role in helping to framing trade policy as per the needs and aspirations of its 2,500 corporate members and 2 lakh individual members, drawn from the trade, commerce, industry, and other affiliated bodies. Its role has changed over time.

While it contributed to the national struggle for industrialisation pre-47, today, post economic liberalisation, it has set up the IMC International Business Forum, comprising leading CEOs and chairpersons who are globalising operations. It will also award for the first time the IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Awards. Philanthropist D L Shah will receive the IMC-Juran Quality Medal for his service to the cause of quality in India, while Vikram Cement, a unit of Grasim Industries, will receive the certificate of merit in the category to the corporates.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.