Question Q.7GS2GS2
Differentiate between the legal and illegal means adopted by advocacy networks to advance their interests. What are the factors that limit their effectiveness as a pressure group?
Introduction
Advocacy networks refers to spontaneous associations formulated to bring about certain interests specific to certain groups. They are informal in nature. (Eg Farm law protest group)
India has approximately 1.2 crore SHG of which 88% are women led. SHG refers to voluntary association primarily of women from similar socio-economic background who come together as collective borrowing and production unit.
59 words
Main Body
Legal Means
1Petition to the government about interests
2Use of Courts by filing PIL's (Eg Stay on Farm laws)
3Protest on Jantar Mantar (Eg Wrestler protest)
Illegal Means
1Blocking of highways causing inconvenience (Amit Sahni case -> limitation of protest if other options explored)
2Gherao (Eg Meerut DM by BKU in 1980's)
3Silent protest (Eg Walkaway)
4Relay protest
5Abduction (Eg IAS in Gujarat by Fishing groups)
6Marches without permission
Factors limiting effectiveness as Pressure groups
1No continuity of protest due to spontaneous & sporadic nature
2Difficulty to gather real mass support (Eg labour pressure groups in labour code)
3Use of illegal means (Eg Strikes, etc)
4Undisciplined cadre (Eg Jan 2021 -> Disrespect to national flag)
Steps taken by Government in empowering SHG's as in Poverty Alleviation
1Access to credit w/o collateral
1969 - Bank Nationalisation
1993 - SHG-Bank linkage
NABARD RRB programme
2015 NRLM
2Thus financial inclusion has ensured better access to government schemes, insurance, social safety.
3Linkage with NRLM
-> It allows skip development and thus self employment.
4Schemes like SVANIDHI for urban groups
All this has allowed SHG to start own vocation, gain better access to market and be financially independent
(Rural Development Ministry 1 lakh pa target by 2024)
Challenges in SHG working
1Disparities on account of region (Eg North East have less SHG's)
2Rising NPA's in some SHG's and concerns of wilful default
3Top down approach of SHG leading to suppression of candid needs
4Power play & politics
— Akansh Dhull · AIR 3
263 words4 paragraphs
Conclusion
Pressure groups are beneficial to government as they highlight genuine concerns but should be done on legitimate basis.
SHG can be drivers for change and shift emphasis from women development to women led development - PM
36 words
- Clear legal-illegal distinction table
- Relevant case law (Amit Sahni case)
- Contemporary examples (Farm law, Wrestler protest)
- Real-time example (Jan 2021 flag disrespect)
- Balanced conclusion
- Statistical data (1.2 crore SHG, 88% women led)
- Historical timeline of financial inclusion steps
- PM quote for conclusion
- Regional disparity insight
- SVANIDHI scheme reference
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Topper
Akansh Dhull
AIR 32025Political Science and International Relations
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Executive, Judiciary, Ministries and Pressure Groups
Pressure Groups and Associations
Advocacy Networks - Legal vs Illegal Means
Writing Stats
358
Total words
4
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone