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10. Limitations of Pressure Groups

Focus of the pressure groups: In India, organised groups largely influence the administrative process rather than the formulation of policy. This is dangerous as a gap is created between policy formulation and implementation.

Issues raised by pressure groups: Many a time issues dominated by caste and religion eclipse those related to socio-economic interests. The result is that instead of serving a useful purpose in the political administrative process, they are reduced to work for narrow selfish interests.

Lack of resources: Many of the groups have a very short life because of the lack of resources. This explains the reason for the mushroom growth of pressure groups as well as their withering away as it becomes difficult to sustain the interest of the persons, initially attracted to form these pressure groups.

Serving political interests: In a country like India, the tendency to politicise every issue, whether it has social, economic, cultural import, restricts the scope, working, and effectiveness of pressure groups. Instead of exerting influence on political process, the pressure groups become tools and implements to subserve political interests.

Low level of internal democracy: Pressure groups have a low level of internal democracy, creating the possibility that they express the views of their leaders and not their members.