Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the concept of trade unions in India. Mention their historical significance and the broader role they play in workers’ rights and social justice. Key Points to Include: Trade unions are collective organizations formed to protect the interests ...
Model Answers Introduction Pressure groups in India, organized groups seeking to influence public policy, have played a crucial role in shaping the country's democratic processes. Their influence has evolved over time, driven by various factors such as human rights advocacy, administrative reforms,Read more
Model Answers
Introduction
Pressure groups in India, organized groups seeking to influence public policy, have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s democratic processes. Their influence has evolved over time, driven by various factors such as human rights advocacy, administrative reforms, and economic liberalization.
Factors Contributing to the Growth of Pressure Groups
- Human Rights and Legal Reforms: Increased awareness of human rights has led to more active pressure groups pushing for legislative changes, such as the Supreme Court’s judgments on LGBTQ rights and Triple Talaq. These groups, like the BMMA, have successfully influenced policy through legal routes.
- Source: Supreme Court judgments (Naz Foundation, Triple Talaq).
- Administrative and Economic Reforms: Reforms like the Right to Information Act and the Draft Data Protection Bill reflect the growing influence of pressure groups in demanding government accountability. Business associations, including FICCI and CII, consult the government on matters like tax policies.
- Source: Right to Information Act, Internet Freedom Foundation.
- Women’s Empowerment: Increased female literacy and empowerment have bolstered women-centric pressure groups, such as SEWA, which has advocated for women’s labor rights.
- Source: SEWA’s activism on women’s worker rights.
- Devolution of Power: The decentralization of power through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments has allowed pressure groups to operate more effectively at grassroots levels.
- Source: 73rd/74th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Challenges to Pressure Groups’ Influence
Despite their growing prominence, pressure groups face challenges, such as government crackdowns on foreign-funded NGOs and accusations of being politically motivated.
- Source: FCRA violations, IB report on economic protests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while pressure groups in India have seen increased influence over time, their role remains complex, with both growing opportunities and challenges in shaping public policy.
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Model Answer The Evolution of Trade Unions in India Trade unionism in India traces its roots back to the late 19th century, beginning with the passage of the Factories Act in 1881. The act aimed to regulate working conditions in factories, sparking early worker movements. The first organized union,Read more
Model Answer
The Evolution of Trade Unions in India
Trade unionism in India traces its roots back to the late 19th century, beginning with the passage of the Factories Act in 1881. The act aimed to regulate working conditions in factories, sparking early worker movements. The first organized union, the Bombay Mill Hands Association, was formed in 1890 by N. M. Lokhande, addressing demands for better working hours, weekly holidays, and injury compensation. This marked the beginning of formal trade unionism in India.
In the early 20th century, the establishment of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1919 facilitated the spread of labor rights ideas globally, which influenced Indian workers’ movements. The Ahmedabad Textile Labor Association was set up in 1920 under Mahatma Gandhi’s guidance, marking a significant step in organized labor. Later that year, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was formed, becoming the first national trade union federation in India. The Indian Trade Union Act of 1926 provided a legal framework for the registration of unions, although it did not guarantee recognition by employers.
Post-independence, trade unions became more assertive, organizing protests and strikes throughout the 1970s and 1980s. However, the economic liberalization of the 1990s shifted the government’s stance from labor-friendly policies to a more investor-oriented approach. This led to growing tensions between workers and employers.
Evolving Role of Trade Unions in Contemporary Times
The role of trade unions in India has significantly evolved, reflecting broader societal and economic changes:
In conclusion, the evolution of trade unions in India highlights their shift from protecting workers’ basic economic rights to becoming active agents for social justice and advocacy in the globalized, digital age. Their role in the modern workplace is more critical than ever in ensuring fair treatment and workers’ rights.
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