Business pressure groups
Also called: Business associations · Topic: Civil Society, Pressure Groups, NGOs and Self-help Groups · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Business pressure groups are organisations of industry and trade. They try to influence government policy on the economy, taxes and trade. They work through pre-budget memoranda, reports, task forces and meetings with ministers. Their influence grew after the economic reforms of 1991. The main worry is crony capitalism, which means a few businesses gaining unfair favours because they are close to people in power.
Example
The main business bodies are:
- ASSOCHAM (1920)
- FICCI (1927)
- CII (roots in 1895, present name since 1992)
- NASSCOM (1988), for the IT industry
Each year they send pre-budget demands to the Finance Ministry.
Don't confuse with
- Trade unions: trade unions speak for workers, such as INTUC and AITUC. Business groups speak for employers and companies.
- Political parties: business groups do not contest elections. They only try to influence those who govern.