The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established a High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) to conduct a comprehensive study regarding demographic shifts in India following the 2011 Census. The committee’s tasks will involve exploring the nature, causes, and impacts of these changes, particularly those attributed to illegal immigration. It is expected to commence site visits to border states shortly using a series of standardized questionnaires.

The committee, comprising six members, will focus on border regions, metropolitan areas, and industrial towns across several states, including West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The primary goal is to compile a detailed assessment report concerning demographic alterations in these locales.

Led by retired Supreme Court judge Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, the committee intends to gather essential information from states and Union Territories (UTs) through a prepared questionnaire. This information will facilitate a more meaningful and interactive visitation process across the targeted states.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

The HLCDC has developed a comprehensive questionnaire aimed at eliciting pertinent data from state governments. This initiative is crucial for gathering ground-level insights into demographic changes attributed to both illegal immigration and other unusual circumstances. The committee will engage with chief secretaries, Directors General of Police, and other relevant departmental heads to ensure timely responses.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged the committee to expedite its recommendations, emphasising the need for first-hand information gathering during its state visits. He has encouraged the committee to interact with various ministries at the Centre for additional insights and feedback on demographic issues.

The HLCDC is tasked with a scientific evaluation of demographic changes across the country, considering factors such as immigration patterns and abnormal settlement trends. Their final report is anticipated within one year of its establishment, which occurred on May 26, 2023, following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Challenges and Institutional Framework

The resolution that formed the HLCDC highlights significant challenges stemming from demographic shifts exacerbated by illegal immigration. It notes that these trends, often observable in border districts, have broader implications for urban centres, industrial areas, and tribal regions. The MHA has recognised that existing institutions may not adequately address these issues efficiently.

To develop effective policies and legislative measures, the committee will investigate underlying factors that contribute to atypical population changes. These include variations in fertility rates, economic migration, and socio-environmental conditions that diverge from conventional trends.

The committee is expected to propose a well-organised framework for identifying, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants. Additionally, it will recommend mechanisms to enhance border management and sustain monitoring systems, ensuring a coordinated approach between the Central and state governments.

With the authority to requisition information from various governmental bodies and individuals, the HLCDC will determine its own inquiry procedures. The MHA will provide the necessary logistical and administrative support while the committee aims to deliver its findings and recommendations in a timely manner.

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