Discussions on bringing political parties under RTI,
Debate over RTI coverage of judiciary, armed forces in non-sensitive matters.
Way Forward
Strengthen protection for RTI activists,
Fill vacancies in Information Commissions,
Reduce pendency by digitization and better management,
Widen RTI awareness campaigns especially in rural areas,
Keep RTI independent from executive interference.
Conclusion
RTI is a powerful tool for empowering citizens and deepening democracy. Its effective use ensures transparency, accountability, and participation in governance.
“An informed citizenry is the bulwark of democracy.“
Important Quick Facts for Prelims & Mains
Fact
Detail
RTI Act came into force
12 October 2005
Constitution Article linked to RTI
Article 19(1)(a)
Time limit for PIO response
30 days (or 48 hours if urgent)
Fee for filing RTI
Rs 10
Appeals
First to Appellate Authority, then to CIC/SIC
Exemptions Section
Section 8 and Section 9 of RTI Act
Chapter 60: Political Parties and Pressure Groups — Types, Role, Importance
Introduction
Political parties and pressure groups are crucial for a functioning democracy.
They:
Represent people’s interests,
Mobilize public opinion,
Influence government policies and decisions.
“Democracy without political parties is like a body without a soul.“
Political Parties: Meaning and Features
Aspect
Explanation
Definition
An organized group of people sharing common political ideology, aiming to capture power through elections.
Features
– Organized structure, – Ideology or program, – Aim to capture political power, – Contest elections, – Act as link between government and people.
Functions of Political Parties
Function
Explanation
Contest Elections
Nominate candidates and seek public mandate.
Form Government
Majority party or coalition forms government.
Opposition Role
Minority parties act as watchdogs.
Policy Formulation
Frame policies reflecting public aspirations.
Political Education
Educate citizens about political processes and issues.
Interest Aggregation
Represent various social, economic, regional interests.
Types of Political Parties
1. Based on Ideology
Type
Example
Left-wing parties
CPI, CPI(M) — focus on socialism, workers’ rights.
Regulation on political advertisements and donations.
Pressure Groups: Meaning and Features
Aspect
Explanation
Definition
An organized group that seeks to influence government policies without contesting elections.
Features
– Organized structure, – Specific interest focus, – Influence rather than power, – Use methods like lobbying, petitions, protests.
Functions of Pressure Groups
Function
Explanation
Influence Policies
Lobby government to favor group interests.
Represent Interests
Speak for groups (workers, farmers, business, etc.).
Educate Public
Spread awareness about issues.
Check on Government
Criticize government policies when needed.
Types of Pressure Groups
1. Based on Interests
Type
Example
Business Groups
FICCI, CII (industry interests).
Trade Unions
INTUC, AITUC (worker rights).
Farmers’ Groups
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU).
Student Groups
NSUI, ABVP.
2. Based on Ideology
Type
Example
Communal Groups
RSS, Muslim League (religious identity).
Environmental Groups
Greenpeace India, Fridays for Future (environmental protection).
Methods Used by Pressure Groups
Method
Example
Lobbying
Meeting officials to influence decisions.
Petitions and Representations
Submitting demands formally.
Media Campaigns
Raising public opinion through TV, newspapers, social media.
Protests, Strikes
Demonstrations to pressure government.
Legal Action
Filing PILs in courts.
Difference Between Political Parties and Pressure Groups
Aspect
Political Parties
Pressure Groups
Aim
Capture power
Influence power
Method
Contest elections
Lobby, protest, awareness campaigns
Membership
Open to all
Restricted, specific group interests
Accountability
To public through elections
Not directly accountable to public
Importance of Pressure Groups in Democracy
Benefit
Explanation
Deepen Democracy
Citizens’ voices heard outside elections.
Balance of Interests
Ensure government considers diverse views.
Social Movements
Drive important changes (e.g., RTI movement, environmental movements).
Accountability
Check arbitrary use of power by government.
Role of Political Parties and Pressure Groups Together
Political parties mobilize people for elections, form governments,
Pressure groups influence policies and decisions between elections,
Both are essential for responsive and responsible governance.
Conclusion
Political parties and pressure groups are vital organs of democratic polity. Their reform, transparency, and strengthening are necessary to realize the full potential of democracy in India.
“In democracy, elections are periodic, but participation must be continuous — through political parties and pressure groups.“
Important Quick Facts for Prelims & Mains
Fact
Detail
Constitutional Status
Neither political parties nor pressure groups are mentioned in Constitution.
Authority to Recognize Parties
Election Commission of India
National Party Status
Recognition in 4+ States + 6% vote share + 2% Lok Sabha seats
Right to Form Associations
Article 19(1)(c) (includes right to form political parties and pressure groups)
Chapter 61: Electoral Reforms in India — Challenges, Committees, Solutions
5. NOTA (None of the Above)
Introduced by Supreme Court directive (2013),
Enables voters to reject all candidates if none are suitable,
However, NOTA votes do not lead to re-election (candidate with highest votes still wins).
6. VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail)
Introduced with EVMs to increase transparency,
Allows voters to verify that their vote is cast for the correct candidate,
Mandatory use alongside EVMs in all elections since 2019.
7. Ceiling on Election Expenditure
Law prescribes maximum spending limits for candidates,
Aim: Reduce influence of money power,
However, political parties’ spending is still loosely regulated.
8. Disqualification of Criminal Candidates
RPA Amendment (2002) and Supreme Court judgments:
Sitting MPs/MLAs convicted of serious crimes are disqualified immediately,
No longer protected by “three months” to appeal.
9. Restrictions on Exit Polls
To avoid influencing voters,
Exit polls can only be published after voting ends across all phases.
Challenges Still Facing Indian Elections
1. Criminalization of Politics
One-third of MPs and MLAs have criminal cases (many serious like murder, rape, corruption),
Weak laws allow such candidates to contest until conviction.
2. Money Power
Huge campaign expenditure,
Black money used in elections despite expenditure caps.
3. Paid News and Fake News
Candidates and parties buy favorable media coverage,
Spread misinformation to manipulate voters.
4. Electoral Bond Scheme Controversy
Introduced in 2017 to make political donations anonymous,
Critics argue it reduces transparency and favors ruling party.
5. Low Voter Turnout
Urban apathy (low turnout in cities),
Voter list errors,
Disenchantment with political class.
6. Misuse of Government Machinery
Using government advertising, transfers of officials, policy announcements during elections to influence voters.
Important Committees on Electoral Reforms
Committee
Major Recommendations
Tarkunde Committee (1975)
Demanded free and fair elections, independent ECI.
Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990)
Suggested state funding of elections, curb criminalization.
Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998)
Strongly recommended partial state funding of elections.