Question

What are the function of Pressure groups in India?

Answer 1

Pressure groups carry out a range of functions including

• Representation:
  

1. Pressure groups can be called the informal face of politics.
2. They exert influence precisely by mobilizing popular support through activities such as petitions, marches, demonstrations, and other forms of political protest.
3. Such forms of political participation have been particularly attractive to young people.

• Education:
  Many pressure groups devote significant resources by carrying out research, maintaining websites, commenting on government policy, and using high–profile academics, scientists, and even celebrities to get their views across, with an emphasis to cultivate expert authority.

• Policy Formulation:

1. Though the pressure groups themselves are not policy-makers, yet this does not prevent many of them from participating in the policy-making process.
2. Many Pressure groups are vital sources of information and render advice to the government and therefore they are regularly consulted in the process of policy formulation.

•  Policy Implementation:

1. Occasionally pressure groups implement policy or play a role in it.
2. A good example is blue cross which helps the government in protecting animal welfare.