The Central government has constituted a High-Level Committee on Demographic Change to study population shifts allegedly caused by illegal immigration and other abnormal factors. Announced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's High-powered Demography Mission, the committee will scientifically assess demographic changes across India, analyse their causes, and recommend policy, legal, and administrative measures to address them.
Composition and Leadership of the Panel
Chaired by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar, the panel includes the Census Commissioner, former IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, former IPS officer Balaji Srivastava, and economist Dr Shamika Ravi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the committee will examine illegal infiltration, abnormal settlement patterns, and structural demographic changes at the level of religious and social communities.
Key Tasks and Recommendations
The committee has also been tasked with recommending mechanisms for identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants, along with stronger border management and coordination between the Centre and states. The panel will submit its report within one year, with a possible six-month extension if required.
Political Implications
The move is expected to trigger a wider political debate over illegal immigration, demographic balance, and national security. The committee's findings could influence future policies on border security and citizenship matters.
