OPSC OAS 2022 PrelimsPolityQuestion 14
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2022 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Which of the following while pursuing common interests of their Groups, attempt to influence the Public Policy making?
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Show answer & explanation
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (A) Pressure Groups
Explaination
- Pressure Groups are organised groups of people who share common interests and attempt to influence public policy making without directly seeking political power. They work from outside the government structure, using various means such as lobbying, demonstrations, strikes, and media campaigns to influence policy decisions in their favour.
Key characteristics of Pressure Groups
- They do not contest elections directly — this distinguishes them from political parties
- They represent specific sectional or promotional interests
- They try to influence legislators, administrators, and policy makers
- They operate through lobbying, petitions, strikes, and public opinion
Types of Pressure Groups in India
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Business/Trade Groups | FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM |
| Labour Groups | INTUC, AITUC, BMS |
| Agrarian Groups | Bharatiya Kisan Union |
| Professional Groups | Bar Council, Medical Council |
| Religious Groups | VHP, Jamaat-e-Islami |
| Student Groups | ABVP, NSUI |
The other options are incorrect because:
Elite Groups — Represent privileged sections but do not systematically pursue common group interests in policy making.
Bureaucracy — Implements policy rather than influencing it from outside as an interest group.
Political Parties — Directly seek political power by contesting elections, unlike pressure groups which only influence policy.
