Centre constitutes high-level panel to study demographic changes due to illegal migration

New Delhi, May 26: The Central Government on Tuesday constituted a high-level committee to study demographic changes in the country arising from illegal immigration and other “abnormal” factors and suggest policy, legislative and administrative measures to address the issue.
The committee, announced under the High-powered Demography Mission earlier declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2025, will be headed by retired judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a post on X said that illegal infiltration and resulting “unnatural demographic change” posed a serious challenge to national security, social stability and border management.
The committee has been tasked with undertaking a comprehensive assessment of demographic shifts across the country, including those attributed to illegal immigration, economic migration patterns and other socio-environmental factors.
It will also examine population changes across communities and regions where deviations from broader trends are observed, according to the terms of reference.
The panel will include the Census Commissioner as well as former IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, former IPS officer Balaji Srivastava and economist Dr Shamika Ravi as members. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I), Ministry of Home Affairs, will serve as member secretary.
According to the government, the committee will analyse causes behind such demographic changes and recommend a structured and time-bound framework for addressing them.
It has also been mandated to suggest mechanisms for identification, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants already residing in the country, along with measures to strengthen border management and monitoring systems.
The panel will further propose ways to improve coordination between the Centre and states on issues related to illegal immigration and demographic shifts.
Officials said the committee will also recommend institutional mechanisms for continuous tracking of population trends and related security implications.
The panel has been given a one-year timeframe to submit its report, which may be extended by up to six months if required.
The government said the initiative aims to provide a “scientific assessment” of demographic changes and their implications for governance, security and social structures, including tribal populations.
It added that the committee may suggest any additional measures it considers necessary to address emerging challenges linked to demographic change. (KNO)