Pressure groups

Pressure groups

Pressure groups are organized associations, unions, or organizations of people having common interests. They aim to seek better conditions for their members through organized efforts. They try to influence the legislature, executive, and other decision-makers to make decisions in their favor.

The task of defining “pressure group” in a single universally acceptable definition is a difficult one. Consider the following definitions of pressure groups:

“Organized groups possessing both formal structure and real common interests in so far as they influence the decisions of public bodies” -W.J.M. Mackenzie.

“An association of individuals joined together by a common interest, belief, activity or purpose that seeks to achieve its objectives, further its interests and enhance its status in relation to other groups, by gaining the approval and cooperation of authority in the form of favorable policies, legislation, and conditions” -Peter Shipley.

Despite differences in their emphasis, these definitions make it clear that pressure groups are voluntary social groups characterized by persuasive activism to achieve a desirable change or to prevent an undesirable change. Their activism, often termed as „pressure politics‟ involves various methods to influence the government and other state apparatus like legislatures, executives, or individuals in responsible positions of decision-making and implementation of public policies.

Pressure groups vary in terms of size and influence as well as the area of operation. Some are relatively small, formed on the basis of highly specific interests, and operate at local or domestic level, while others are extremely large and powerful with some of them even operating beyond national boundaries. For example, groups like Confederation of Free Trade Union, Council of European Federation of Industry, Amnesty International, Anti-Apartheid Movement, Oxfam and Friends of Earth are some of the groups that operate across national boundaries. Moreover, there are also collective groups like the World Social Forum (WSF) formed by different civil societies, advocacy groups, and social movements from different countries but operate at the global level. Thus, whatever be their size, strength and area of operation, pressure groups have come to play an enormously important role in society and politics, and are considered to be a vital component of modern political system.

TYPES OF PRESSURE GROUPS

1)        Business Groups

Businessmen are generally well-organized and their concern would be to get reasonable restrictions imposed on the production and distribution of goods, import and export of commodities. determination of price of commodities, etc.

In Nepal, business groups have acted as pressure groups by influencing government policies, economic reforms, and labor laws to protect their interests and promote a favorable business environment.

In Nepal, business groups such as the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) act as pressure groups to influence government policies and promote a favorable business environment. These groups lobby for tax reforms, simplified regulations, better access to credit, and infrastructure development. Industry-specific groups like the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) and the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) advocate for sectoral interests, such as tourism support and timely project approvals. Collectively, these organizations play a vital role in shaping economic policies and promoting business-friendly conditions in Nepal.

2)        Labor Organization

The labor organizations are concerned with payment of adequate wages and emoluments, reasonable working hours and conditions of’ service, compensation in case of sonic accident. etc. They are often associated with one party or the other.

Labor organizations in Nepal play a crucial role in advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, safe working conditions, and social protections. These organizations often function as pressure groups by influencing government labor policies, negotiating with employers, and organizing strikes or protests when necessary.

Labor organizations in Nepal, such as the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC), and All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), play a critical role in advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. These unions represent workers across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and transport, and often organize strikes, protests, and negotiations to push for labor reforms. They also focus on securing social security benefits, particularly for informal workers who are vulnerable to exploitation. As pressure groups, these labor organizations significantly influence labor policies and contribute to improving the lives of workers in Nepal.

3)        Farmers’ Groups

Farmer’s groups are basically concerned with protecting the interest of farmers from adverse effects of modernization and getting facilities of modernization to the farmers. These include continuation of subsidy to the farmers, minimum price for agricultural products, etc.

Farmers’ groups in Nepal play an important role in advocating for agricultural policies, improved access to resources, and the rights of farmers. These groups often serve as pressure groups to influence government policies, negotiate fair pricing for crops, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Farmers’ groups in Nepal, such as the Nepal Farmers’ Group Federation (NFGF), All Nepal Peasants’ Federation (ANPF), and National Cooperative Federation of Nepal (NCFN), act as pressure groups advocating for farmers’ rights, land reforms, and better agricultural policies. These organizations work to ensure fair crop pricing, equitable access to land, subsidies for inputs, and improved market access for smallholder farmers. By organizing protests, advocating for policy reforms, and supporting cooperatives, these groups play a crucial role in improving the livelihoods and economic conditions of farmers in Nepal.

4)        Professional Groups

Professional organizations are mainly concerned with the service conditions and other facilities for their respective professions.

Professional groups in Nepal represent various sectors such as medicine, law, education, and engineering, and they play a key role in advocating for their members’ rights, maintaining professional standards, and influencing government policies. These groups often act as pressure groups, lobbying for reforms and protecting the interests of their respective fields.

Professional groups in Nepal, such as the Nepal Medical Association (NMA), Nepal Bar Association (NBA), Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), and teachers’ unions, act as pressure groups advocating for their members’ rights, improved working conditions, and policy reforms. These organizations lobby the government on issues such as healthcare funding, judicial independence, sustainable development, and educational reforms. By influencing policies and maintaining professional standards, they play a vital role in advancing the interests of their respective fields while contributing to national development in areas like healthcare, law, infrastructure, and education.

5)        Religious Groups

Religious pressure groups generally attempt to protect the interest of a particular religion. Religious groups in Nepal play a significant role in shaping social values, cultural practices, and, at times, influencing government policies. While Nepal is a secular state, religious organizations often act as pressure groups, advocating for issues related to religious freedom, cultural preservation, and social norms.

Religious groups in Nepal, such as the Federation of National Christian Nepal (FNCN), World Hindu Federation (WHF), Nepal Buddhist Federation (NBF), and Nepal Muslim Federation, act as pressure groups advocating for religious rights, cultural preservation, and inclusion in state policies. These groups lobby for the protection of religious freedoms, equal recognition, and the preservation of sacred sites, while also promoting social harmony and tolerance. They play a key role in shaping discussions around religious practices and influence government decisions related to secularism, cultural identity, and religious inclusion in Nepal.