Background

• A pressure group is defined as a special interest group which seeks to influence Government policy in a particular direction and try to advance their own interests.
• Such groups do not seek Government control or responsibility for policy, and their political function is not officially recognized. 
• Pressure groups are important non-state actors in the Indian scenario.

What brings people into these groups?

• Similar economic interests. Eg: Employee unions like Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Chambers of Commerce, etc.
• Similar socio-economic status like OBC groups agitating for common benefits, etc.
• Similar caste or religious values. Eg: Vokkaliga Sangha, Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha.
• Similar cultural values and interests. Eg: Tribal associations like Tribal Sangh of Assam
• Similar environmental interests. Eg: Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace,Narmada Bachao Andolan, etc. 
• Similar political ideology. Eg: students unions like Students Federation of India, etc.
• Linguistic similarities. Eg: Tamil sangams in states other than Tamil nadu, Malayali Samajams in states other than Kerala.

What pressure groups do?

• Represent people who are not adequately represented in the electoral process.

• Lobby or try to lobby Governments to modify policies to suit the needs of the respective groups.
  • Eg: Activities of FICCI and CII in the budget making process of the Government of India.
• Educate and enlighten people about their rights.
• Mobilise people for protests and demonstrations when their demands are not met. 
  • Eg: Farm protests in Delhi and Punjab regions.
• Give ground level realities to the Governments and group members.
  • Eg: Annual Status of Education Report by Pratham Foundation.
• Serve as a collective voice of the group and give the Governments a chance to negotiate in case of any protest or agitation.
  • Eg: Unions negotiate for workers in any protest.
• Take legal actions on any violation of their rights directly or by providing help to the aggrieved party.

Problems with pressure groups

• Promoting self interest at the cost of the entire public.
  • Eg: Strikes by organisations obstructing the regular functioning of Public services.
• Vested political interests of some pressure groups. These groups tend to support certain political parties and blindly oppose other political parties.
  • Eg: Trade unions affiliated to political parties.
• Some pressure groups promote terrorism and anti-social activities. These pressure groups are termed as anomic pressure groups.
  • United Liberation Front of Assam, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang faction).
• Misuse of trust of people for the interests of leadership in relation with political parties.
• Pressure groups lack any accountability towards the people or its members.
• Some pressure groups obstruct developmental projects with vested interests. 
  • Eg: People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy in Koodankulam nuclear power station protests.

Conclusion

• Pressure groups are now considered as a helpful and indispensable element of the democratic process. They play a vital role in shaping Indian democracy by advocating for diverse interests and holding institutions accountable. 
• Moving forward, fostering transparency, promoting constructive dialogue, and ensuring inclusive representation can enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of pressure groups activities in India.