UPSC Mains 2017 GS2 Q4 — Pressure Groups
How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- HowDo you agree
- Scope keywords
- pressure groupsIndian political processinformal pressure groupsformal pressure groupsrecent years
- Implicit sub-parts
- Mechanisms of influence used by pressure groups in the Indian context (lobbying, mobilization, litigation).
- Comparison between formal (registered, institutionalized) and informal (ad-hoc, social movements, digital-led) groups.
- Evaluation of whether 'informal' groups have truly surpassed 'formal' groups in terms of policy impact and public mobilization.
- A balanced conclusion on the synergy or conflict between these two types of groups.
- Common pitfalls
- Defining pressure groups for too long instead of jumping straight into their 'influence' as requested.
- Failing to provide contemporary examples of informal groups like the farmers' protests, CAA/NRC protesters, or digital campaign groups.
- Ignoring formal groups like FICCI, CII, or BMS entirely while focusing only on social movements.
- Not taking a clear stand on the 'Do you agree' part of the question.
- Dimensions required
- Institutional/LegalSociological (Social Movements)Technological (Digital Activism)Economic (Business interest groups)Political (Electoral impact)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40-50 words to explain the 'How' with diverse mechanisms of influence. Devote the remaining 100 words to the debate between formal and informal groups, ensuring you provide a clear stance supported by current examples like the repeal of farm laws or environmental movements.
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