What are public interest pressure groups? Describe their functioning. (CBSE 2016)

1. Public interest groups (or promotional groups) are organizations that promote collective rather than selective good in the interest of the entire society.

2. They aim to help groups other than their own members. For example – a group fighting against bonded labour fights not for itself but for those who are suffering under such bondage.

3. Sometimes they may also undertake activities that benefit them as well as others too. For example – BAMCEF (Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation) is an organization that campaigns against caste discrimination. Although, it addresses the problems of its members its principal concern is social justice and social equality for all.

NOTE – These groups are composed of people who wish to work for the benefit of all and betterment of the society in general. They are active members of the society who play an important role in shaping it.