UPSC Mains 2021 · GS II · Q5 · 10 marks · 150 words

“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.

हिन्दी में

“भारत में सार्वजनिक नीति बनाने में दबाव समूह महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं।” समझाइए कि व्यवसाय संघ, सार्वजनिक नीतियों में किस प्रकार योगदान करते हैं।

Pressure Groups and Associations

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “How do pressure groups influence the policies of the government? In the Indian context, do they have a democratization effect or are they mere promoters of narrow interests? Illustrate with suitable examples.”

Anudeep DurishettyAIR 1 · CSE 2017 · 194 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Pressure groups refer to collection of individuals who come together and work towards particular law/action from the government.

Body · points

Diagram
Pressure groups -> deepens democracy builds inclusive societies Pressure groups -> citizen engagement in governance Pressure groups -> Enforces accountability on govt Pressure groups -> Upholds public interest work for poorer section

Features of P.groups

Pressure groups and democratisation (PG)

(1) PG gives voice to the marginalised communities

Eg: In Orissa, NGO, CGNet Swara fought for Khond tribal rights against land eviction by Vedanta in Niyamgiri hills

(2) P.Groups agitates for peoples rights

(3) P. groups checks against arbitrary legislation by fighting a PIL in Courts Eg: Recent Right to privacy judgement of Apex Court is result of work by PUCL & Others

(4) P.groups decentralises government

(5) P groups helps in effective implementation of schemes Eg: Social audit by MKSS in Rajasthan -> Corruption reduced in NREGA

Pressure groups & Narrow Interests

(1) IB reports indicate pressure groups working to derail development projects Eg: Kudankulam protest

(2) Some groups such as Compassion international engaged in religious conversion of tribals

(3) Lobbying by corporates lead to corruption Eg: 2G Scam

(4) Pressure Groups often put private interest over public interest

Close · a way forward

Thus, P. Groups need to be streamlined by bringing a comprehensive legislation, bringing them under RTI and promoting transparency in their working. This way we can strengthen democracy.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper II, Q5. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.