INTRODUCTION
Pressure groups are certain informal organisations which represent the interest of certain communities and influence the decision of the government doing different activities. They do not aim to get in power, rather they help political parties to come to power so that their interests can be fulfilled. They have voluntary membership and it is not forced upon any people. It acts as a link between Government and people.
TYPES OF PRESSURE GROUPS IN INDIA :-
- ANOMIC INTEREST GROUP - Anomic interest groups are informal and unorganized groups that form spontaneously to address a specific issue or problem. They have no structured leadership and operate on an ad-hoc basis. An example of an anomic interest group in India is a group of residents who come together to protest against the construction of a polluting factory in their neighborhood
- ASSOCIATIONAL PRESSURE GROUPS - Associational pressure groups are organized groups that are formed to pursue common interests and goals. They have a structured leadership and a clear membership base. Examples of associational pressure groups in India include trade unions, farmers' organizations, and political parties.
- NON-ASSOCIATIONAL PRESSURE GROUPS - Non-associational pressure groups are groups that operate outside the formal structure of society. They are not registered and do not have a formal membership base. These groups often use tactics such as demonstrations, rallies, and sit-ins to draw attention to their cause.
- INSTITUTIONAL INTEREST GROUPS - Institutional interest groups are groups that are integrated into the formal structure of society. They are usually well-established and have a clear leadership structure. Examples of institutional interest groups in India include chambers of commerce, industry associations, and professional bodies.
ROLE OF PRESSURE GROUPS :-
- ACT AS LINK :- They supplement the political parties and fill the gaps which the people's parties failed to do. It improves the accountability towards the people and bring stability in the administration of political parties.
- HOLD SEMINARS :- They hold seminars and meetings where major leaders of political parties are called and mutual decisions are taken.
- MOBILISE THE PUBLIC OPINION :- They mobilise the public opinion by means of propaganda through different means such as ad, booklets, pamphlets, conferences and lectures,etc.
- PROTECT THE INTEREST OF PARTICULAR GROUP :- They work for the protection of interest of a particular group by influencing the government's decision in their favour.
- ESTABLISH RELATIONS WITH BUREAUCRACY :- Pressure groups establish contacts with bureaucrats so that their demands are transferred to ministers. Moreover they stay for a longer time than ministers.
- IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF GOVERNMENT :- Pressure Groups improves the efficiency of government by giving them feedback of their policies and programs and giving government idea about the current situation of public according to which decisions are formulated.
CONCLUSION
Pressure groups are agents of Political socialisation and modernisation. They wot for fulling the interest of their groups for which they put pressure on government through different means such as strikes, bands, gherao etc.