Q. Pressure groups help in positive democratization of citizens and helps in keeping the administrative machinery accountable. Analyze.
Introduction
A pressure group is a group of people who are organised actively for promoting and defending their common interest, as it attempts to bring a change in the Public policy by exerting pressure on the Government.
Role of pressure groups in positive democratization of citizens:
It acts a liaison between the Government and its members They do not contest election and do not try to capture Political power; Instead their activities are confined to the protection and promotion of the interests of their members by influencing the Government
- The ‘All India Trade Union Congress(AITUC)’ has been objective since its inception in 1920, to promote Socialist Policies, as it promotes workers’ welfare and doesn’t allow Government to pass an anti-labour Policies
- The pressure groups influence the policy-making and policy implementation in the government through legal and legitimate methods like lobbying, correspondence, publicity, propagandising, petitioning, public debating, maintaining contacts with their legislators and so forth
- The ‘Bharatiya Kisan Union’ has been instrumental in addressing farmers’ concerns related to Low agricultural prices, increase in electricity rates, addressing their Poverty issues
- The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan’s efforts are best known for its successful struggle and demand for Right to Information Act(RTI)
- Environment Protection groups have led movements Narmada Bachao Andolan and Chipko movement, to voice the native concerns against vagaries faced by Developmental projects, and show their responsibility towards environment
The Pressure groups keep the administrative machinery accountable, by resorting to three techniques for securing their purposes:
Electioneering: placing persons in public office whoa are favourably disposed towards their interests
Lobbying: By persuading Public officers, whether they are initially favourably disposed toward them or not, to adopt and enforce the policies that they think will prove most beneficial to their interests
Propagandizing: By influencing Public Opinion and thereby gain an indirect influence over government, since the government in a democracy is substantially affected by public opinion
The pressure groups have also come under criticism for following reasons:
- They are biased in favour of their own interest and not present a balanced agreement
- Members are often very passionate, they may resort to undesirable tactics like violence or criminal behaviour to promote their cause
- This is evident in the secessionist demand for state autonomy in North Eastern states, which has led to tussle between Government and Pressure groups
- Strikes damaging Public property with their violent activities are a common sighting in India
- Opinions held by Pressure groups, have polarised to communal overtones. This is seen with the groups supporting particular religions’ progress to achieve their aims
Conclusion
Hence, there is a need for better organisation and influence of pressure groups, with clear defined aims, to be able to make difference