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 ...
A pressure group is an interest group organised to promote the interests of its members and influence the policies of the government without seeking to exercise the formal powers of the government. They use instruments like lobbying, campaigns, polls etc. Role of pressure groups in ensuring participRead more
A pressure group is an interest group organised to promote the interests of its members and influence the policies of the government without seeking to exercise the formal powers of the government. They use instruments like lobbying, campaigns, polls etc.
Role of pressure groups in ensuring participative democracy in India include:
- Participation of citizens in a democracy is often limited to elections. Pressure groups keep the government in touch with the public opinion in between elections and provide representation to a wide range of diverse interests and opinions.
- They promote and facilitate participative development thereby creating conditions for people’s empowerment and deepening of democracy. E.g. Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy is making efforts to improve the quality of life in urban areas by catalysing a systemic change through participatory forms of governance.
- Pressure groups give political voice to minority groups and articulate their concerns like Naz Foundation’s advocacy of rights of the LGBT community.
- They reveal the corrupt practices of the government and demand good governance. For instance. India Against Corruption under the anti-corruption movement in 2011, led to establishment of Lokpal and Lokayukta.
- They provide alternative platforms to citizens to redress grievances and hold the government responsible. For example, the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan led a people’s movement demanding accountability, which eventually led to the passage of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- Pressure groups have relentlessly led movements to safeguard the environment and natural resources. These include the Chipko Movement, Narmada Bacho Andolan and the Appiko Movement.
- Competing pressure groups ensure that no group or interest remains dominant. For instance, India has several trade unions that represent the interests of its members such as Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, All India Trade Union Congress etc.
Pressure groups are, therefore, considered an indispensable element of the democratic process, especially, in a highly diverse society like ours, where individuals cannot pursue their interests on their own and need the support of others placed in similar situations to gain greater bargaining power. The presence of pressure groups in a polity reflects its political maturity and inclusive nature, where everyone has a right to influence the policies of the government.
See less
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.
See less