UKHRUL/DELHI: The Government of India has constituted a high-level committee to study demographic changes arising from illegal immigration and other “abnormal reasons,” with the panel expected to recommend policy, legislative and administrative measures to address the issue.
The committee has been formed following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a “High-powered Demography Mission” during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025. The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal on September 11, 2025.
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According to a PIB release issued on Tuesday, the committee will be chaired by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar. Other members include the Census Commissioner, retired IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, retired IPS officer Balaji Srivastava, and economist Dr Shamika Ravi. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will serve as the Member Secretary.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said illegal infiltration and “unnatural demographic change” posed a major challenge to the country’s present and future.
“Demographic Change is a serious problem linked not only to our sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, major changes in social structure, and the protection of tribal societies,” Shah said in a post on X quoted in the release.
The committee, as per PIB, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of demographic changes occurring across India due to illegal immigration and other causes. It will analyse structural population changes among religious and social communities and suggest a “well-planned and time-bound solution” to address the issue.
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The terms of reference include examining challenges arising from demographic changes, studying causes such as cross-border activities and migration patterns, and recommending mechanisms for identification, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants.
The panel will also recommend measures to strengthen border management, population stabilisation and coordination between the Centre and states on issues related to illegal immigration and demographic imbalance.
The committee has been asked to submit its report within one year, although the Ministry of Home Affairs may extend its tenure by up to six months if required.
