Pressure groups are organized associations, unions or organization of people having common interest. Their aim is to seek better conditions for their members through organized efforts. Pressure groups play a vital role in democratic politics in terms of representing and promoting the aspirations of the people.

Both India and Western countries are democracies. But within western countries there are differences between Presidential and Parliamentary forms of government. India though a parliamentary democracy differs from such countries of the West in terms of developmental levels. Therefore there are some differences in the role of pressure groups.

• American pressure groups are regarded as the fourth organ of the government but the Indian pressure groups are not yet to play such significant role in politics.
• 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.
• Indian pressure groups based on caste, religion, region, etc. are more powerful than the modern groups like business organizations.
• A significant feature of' American pressure groups is that in the USA 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, and less with foreign policy matters.

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

In a democratic country like ours, pressure groups play crucial factor as far as development is concemed. ln a democracy wherein people opinion matter more than anything, pressure groups can act as catalyst in the development,or become a hurdle in growth of the country.

Role as catayst :

• There are many NGOs engaged as catalyst in the development process of a country in the field of women empowerment, gender, justice, saving children.For instance,NGO founded by noble awardee Kailash satyarthi ,endeavour to save children from childhood labour, child trafficking through Bachpan Bachao Andolan.
• Besides this, there are many civil societies,organisation of businessmen, trades engaged in philanthropist wok, funding many institutions for women empowerment removing poverty, education etc.
• These NGOs, Civil societies work with government to raise awareness among public ,masses.

Role as opposition :

• Pressure groups through propagandizing ,put pressure on government to mould police to their advantage ,thereby delaying ,and hampering growth momentum.
• Recently,there were reports from Investigation authorites,and survey that opposition from NGOs result into affecting GDP to some extent.
• Religiously motivated pressure groups by justifying their interest, end up bringing communal riots,divisive agenda ,among others.

Conclusion :

In a democratic country like ours,wherein civil rights are given utmost importance,unlike in Authoritarian countries or communist countries,while in pursuit of development, role of pressure group as caMlyst is indispensable.