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Pressure Groups: Definition, Types, Functions & Accountability – RTI Act 2005 & Farm Laws Repeal

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
28 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:RTI Act 2005Farm laws repealed November 20211990s MKSS public hearingsCJP protest over NEET-UG paper leak 2026
Bodies:Mazdoor Kisan Shakti SangathanCockroach Janta Party
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Pressure groups influence government policy and are distinct from political parties; they rely on constitutional guarantees like freedom of expression.

2.MKSS (Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan) exemplifies pressure group success, leading to RTI Act 2005; farmers' protests 2020-21 led to repeal of three farm laws in November 2021.

3.Examiners focus on types (associational, anomic, protective, promotional), differences from political parties, and risks of overreach.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

Pressure groups are vital to democracy, influencing policy without seeking office. This article explains their definition, types (associational, anomic, etc.), and examples like MKSS leading to RTI Act 2005 and farm protests leading to law repeal. Understand the risks of populist hastiness and the need for accountability.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Definition (Blackwell Dictionary)Purpose is to influence distribution and use of political power
Key ExampleMKSS → RTI Act 2005
Farm Laws RepealNovember 2021
Types by Jean BlondelNon-associational, Associational, Protective, Promotional
Anomic Groups (Gabriel Almond)Spontaneous penetrations into political system

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Definition (Blackwell Dictionary): Purpose is to influence distribution and use of political power
  • ›Key Example: MKSS → RTI Act 2005
  • ›Target this Data: RTI Act enacted in 2005; Farm laws repealed in November 2021.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) – grassroots organization in Rajasthan.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Right to Information Act, 2005; Constitutional guarantees under Article 19(1)(a) and (b).

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which grassroots organization's public hearings led to the enactment of the Right to Information Act, 2005?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. Pressure groups seek to influence government policy rather than hold office.

2. Associational groups are based on kinship and ethnicity.

3. The Right to Information Act was enacted in 2005.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

In which year were the three farm laws repealed?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary risk associated with pressure groups when they mobilize large numbers?

All 25 MCQs ▸
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