GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

The power of pressure groups lies not in their size or elaborate organization, but in their ability to mobilize public opinion and create lasting change. With help of relevant examples, discuss how informal pressure groups shape public policy.

Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024

Pressure Groups and AssociationsPolicy Design and Implementation

Syllabus: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

How toppers approached it

From 4 of the 5 answers · about 170 words · 25% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition3 of 4
  • No separate opening1 of 4

Body

  • Points3 of 4
  • Points and prose1 of 4

Close

  • A summary2 of 4
  • A way forward2 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Madhav AgarwalAIR 16 · CSE 2024 · 146 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Pressure groups are bodies that aim at organising, promoting and defending their COMMON INTEREST. Their strength depends on their convincing power to bring a change.

Pressure groups → influence via Media → Public → vote → Goverment Figure: (Indirect way of influence)

Body · points

Informal groups shaping Public policy:

(1) NIRBHAYA Movement led to steps for gender justice such as Vishaka Guidelines by supreme Court.

(2) Dairy Farmers bodies influenced foreign policy (withdrawal from RCEP) and also domestic politics (Nandini Milk Karnataka).

(3) Mazdoor Sangathan in Rajasthan protested and brought Right to Information Act 2005.

(4) Withdrawal of 3 farm bills: by the farmer pressure groups (who later got organised).

(5) India Against Corruption Movement led by Anna Hazare brought 'Lokpal & Lokayukta'.

Close · a summary

Pressure groups have been instrumental in shaping public policy and have taken up issues that affect the people of India in multiple manner.

More on Pressure Groups and Associations

Formal and informal associations and their role in the polity.

All GS2 questions on Pressure Groups and Associations