Highlight the importance of pressure groups in making the democracy participatory and responsive.

Pressure groups are a group of people who ventilate their opinions and try to influence public policy in their favour without directly taking part in politics. Roles: Voice of minorities. Accountability of government. Public spirited policy changes. Educates citizens on ..

Topics: GS-II: Pressure Groups and Formal Informal Associations

While the pressure groups play a constructive and positive role in deepening democracy and enhancing liberties, they are often criticized on various grounds. Discuss.

The pressure groups are collective of individuals who come together to secure their own as well as public interest through various ways, such as: Electioneering – Placing candidates disposed in their favour on key political posts. Lobbying – Indirectly and ..

Topics: GS-II: Pressure Groups and Formal Informal Associations

In the light of several government initiatives and policies to create opportunities for Self Help Groups (SHGs), discuss the challenges that still persist.

The Self help groups refer to collective formed with the explicit purpose of enterprise through joint ownership and joint contribution. Importance of self help groups: Empower women. E.g. Amul, Lijjat papad, etc. Promote microfinance (through gramin Banks). Promote entrepreneurship as ..

Topics: GS-II: Pressure Groups and Formal Informal Associations • GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Various Sectors

Mention the key objective of the foreign contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The recent amendments in the Act have faced criticism from various sections. Analyse.

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) seeks to regulate the flow of foreign exchange flowing into the non-government organisations and other entities. Key objectives behind the act: Helps in checking money laundering. Check on undue foreign influence on NGOs. Fostering ..

Topics: GS-II: Pressure Groups and Formal Informal Associations • GS-III: Money Laundering and Its Prevention

The local voluntary organizations and NGOs have played an active role in environmental movements in India. They have their own set of advantages and challenges associated with them. Elaborate.

NGOs and local voluntary organizations are entities, whose primary motive is social welfare & these don’t have direct stakeholding by the government. They work in a variety of fields. Advantages: Non-bureaucratic attitude. Supplement to government efforts. Effective check on government ..

Topics: GS-II: Pressure Groups and Formal Informal Associations • GS-III: Conservation Environmental Pollution Degradation

Intervention by civil society has played a very important role in making governance transparent and accountable. Discuss in context of India.

It is aptly opined that the Media & Civil Society are the fourth pillar of government. “Civil society is the engine of social change” – Dennis Mcquail Civil society refers to the non-profit organizations that are independent of government control ..

Topics: GS-II: Pressure Groups and Formal Informal Associations • GS-II: Important Aspects of Governance Transparency and Accountability Citizen Charters