Delineate the differences between pressure groups and interest groups. Elaborate how pressure groups influence government decisions and policy-making in India.

Pressure groups are voluntary non-profit organizations of people working towards common or similar interests. Pressure groups work independently from the government.

Interest groups are the groups of people who work for their own interests and try to influence policy-making and government decisions in their own favour.

Pressure group influencing government decisions:

• They provide feedback of the people to the government and thus provide an opportunity for the government to correct their path.
• They act as a bridge between people and the government.
• Pressure groups act as the voice of vulnerable factions.
• Healthy interventions – They force the government to take decisions to improve the conditions of neglected sections like LGBTQ.
• Pressure groups contributed in the formation of new education policy through discussions with the Kasturirangan committee.

Role of pressure groups in policy-making:

• Various pressure groups try to voice their concerns and interests of the people they represent to guide policy-making by government.
• Policies like national health policy, national education policy, and national telecom policy were formulated comprehensively after receiving the inputs received by various pressure groups and civil society organisations.
• They also have representation of experts and the private sector which brings a new dimension in policy-making.

Pressure groups form the third sector of the government. Because of their immense contribution to government decision and policy-making, there is a need to promote their autonomy and effectiveness.