New Delhi: Centre on Monday constituted a high-level committee to study demographic change linked to illegal immigration and other abnormal reasons across the country. The panel will recommend policy, legal and administrative measures to address the issue within one year.
The committee will function under the chairmanship of retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar. The Census Commissioner, former IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, former IPS officer Balaji Srivastava and economist Dr Shamika Ravi will serve as members. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will act as Member Secretary.
The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal on September 11, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced the High-powered Demography Mission during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said illegal infiltration and abnormal population shifts posed serious challenges to national security, sovereignty and social stability. He stated that the committee would scientifically assess population trends and suggest long-term corrective measures.
Panel to assess demographic change across states
According to the notification, the committee will study cross-border activities, settlement patterns, migration trends and socio-environmental factors linked to population changes. It will also examine structural shifts among religious and social communities where patterns differ from broader national trends.
The panel will recommend mechanisms for identification, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants residing in the country. It will also suggest measures to strengthen border management, coordination between states and the Centre, and population monitoring systems.
The government said the committee could recommend additional measures if required. The Ministry of Home Affairs may extend the panel’s tenure by six months if necessary.
