SUBJECT: POLITICAL SCIENCE V
COURSE: BA LLB SEMESTER V
TEACHER: MS. DEEPIKA GAHATRAJ
MODULE: IV Pressure Groups in India
METHODS ADOPTED BY PRESSURE GROUPS
Important Techniques Used by Pressure Groups for Securing their Interests
For securing their aims and goals, interest groups use peaceful persuasion as well as
pressure techniques. When the interest groups, use pressure tactics for securing their
interests these are called pressure groups.
As such, ail methods by which influence and pressure can be exerted upon the decision-
makers are the methods of interest groups. Such techniques as strike, gherao, bandhs,
demonstrations, passive resistance, work to rule, which are usually described as means of
direct action, fall within their scope.
Interest groups are opportunistic and down to earth pragmatic in the selection of methods
for serving their interests. Henry A. Turner observes, “Individual interest groups generally
function in a pragmatic and opportunistic fashion, using any method or technique which
they believe will serve their purpose effectively.
Undoubtedly, dictating most pressure group’s activity is the criterion: What action will
produce the maximum desired result with the minimum expenditure of time and resources?”
Besides pressure techniques, pressure groups depend upon lobbying, propaganda,
participation in electioneering, use of mass media, public meetings, peaceful processions,
public protests, etc., for promoting, defending and securing their interests.
Analysing the methods used by the Pressure Groups, Carr has observed, that an interest
group can use three basic techniques for securing its purpose:
Firstly, it can try to place in public office persons most favourable towards the interests it
seeks to promote. It can be termed as electioneering.
Secondly, it can try to persuade public officers to adopt and enforce such policies as are
considered most beneficial for its interest.
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