11. Comparison of Indian and Western Pressure Groups

India and most countries of the West are democracies with either Presidential or Parliamentary form of government. India, a parliamentary democracy, differs from countries of the West in terms of development. Therefore, there are some differences in the role of pressure groups.

♤ Significance of pressure groups: The American pressure groups are regarded as the fourth organ of the government but the Indian pressure groups are not yet able to play such significant role in politics.

♤ Targets of pressure groups: In India and Great Britain the cabinet and civil service are the main targets of pressure groups for lobbying purposes rather than the Parliament. However, the targets of American pressure groups are the Congress and its committees rather than the President for lobbying purposes.

♤ Themes or issues raised: Indian pressure groups based on caste, religion, region, etc. are more powerful than the modern groups such as business organisations.

♤ Foreign policy: A significant feature of American pressure groups is that their pressure groups take interest in foreign policy issues while in India pressure groups do not seem to have interest in foreign policy matters. Comparatively, the Indian pressure groups are concerned more with domestic policy issues and problems.

However, in general, despite the differences, democratic politics presupposes the crucial role of pressure groups for serving the interests of different sections of society.