Emphasize how pressure organizations have helped India’s participatory democracy grow.
Model Answer Introduction Pressure groups play a crucial role in the Indian political process, influencing decisions, shaping public opinion, and advocating for specific causes. These groups can be categorized into formal entities, such as trade unions and NGOs, and informal ones, including social mRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Pressure groups play a crucial role in the Indian political process, influencing decisions, shaping public opinion, and advocating for specific causes. These groups can be categorized into formal entities, such as trade unions and NGOs, and informal ones, including social movements and online communities. Both types contribute to a vibrant democracy by ensuring diverse voices are represented in policy-making.
Features of Pressure Groups
In recent years, there has been a growing perception that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal pressure groups. This view can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased Access to Information: The rise of the internet and social media has enabled informal pressure groups to disseminate information rapidly and mobilize public support effectively. This accessibility allows them to reach a wider audience and galvanize action around their causes (NASSCOM, 2021).
- Media Attention: Informal pressure groups often capture significant media attention, which can compel politicians and policymakers to address their concerns. Coverage of movements like the anti-corruption protests and farmers’ protests has brought their issues to the forefront of national discourse (The Hindu, 2020).
- Spontaneity and Flexibility: Informal pressure groups can swiftly respond to emerging issues and adapt their strategies as needed, making them nimble and effective in a fast-changing political landscape.
Examples of Informal Pressure Groups
- Anti-Corruption Movement (India Against Corruption): Led by Anna Hazare in 2011, this movement demanded the Jan Lokpal Bill to combat corruption and succeeded in mobilizing widespread public support, eventually influencing the political landscape and contributing to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) (The Times of India, 2011).
- Farmers’ Protests: Beginning in 2020, these protests against the central government’s farm laws exemplify how informal pressure groups can unite to challenge governmental policies. The protests gained national and international attention, pushing the government to engage in dialogue with the farmers (Al Jazeera, 2021).
Conclusion
While informal pressure groups have gained prominence, it is essential not to undermine the importance of formal pressure groups, which continue to play a vital role in the Indian political process. Both types ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered in policy-making, contributing to a robust democracy.
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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:
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.
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