Centre Constitutes High-Level Committee on Demographic Change

The Central Government has constituted a High-Level Committee on Demographic Change to examine demographic shifts occurring in India due to illegal infiltration and other “unnatural causes.” The committee was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and was earlier proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on 15 August 2025. The panel will conduct a comprehensive assessment of demographic changes across the country and recommend planned and time-bound solutions.

Chairperson and Members of the Committee

The committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar.

Other members include:

Census Commissioner of India

Former IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra

Former IPS officer Balaji Srivastava

Economist Dr. Shamika Ravi

The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will function as the Member Secretary of the committee.

Objective of the Committee

The committee has been formed to study demographic changes linked to illegal immigration and other abnormal causes. It will examine patterns of population shifts among different religious and social communities and suggest administrative, legal, and policy measures to address these concerns.

According to the government, demographic imbalance is linked to issues such as:

National security

Sovereignty

Law and order

Social stability

Preservation of tribal society and indigenous culture

The committee is expected to submit its report within one year.

Significance of the Move:

The formation of the committee is considered important, especially for border states such as Assam and Manipur, where concerns regarding illegal immigration and demographic shifts have frequently been raised. The government has stated that the initiative aims to strengthen border security, protect indigenous communities, and ensure balanced demographic development.

Demographic Change and National Security:

The government described demographic change caused by infiltration as a serious challenge affecting the future of the nation.

According to official statements, unchecked demographic shifts may lead to:

Pressure on resources and infrastructure

Social and cultural tensions

Changes in political representation

Challenges to internal security

The issue has also been linked to border management and migration policies.

Census Commissioner of India:

The Census Commissioner functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for conducting the Census of India and maintaining demographic data.

Census in India:

Conducted under the Census Act, 1948

First complete Census in India: 1881

Conducted every 10 years

Office responsible: Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India

Illegal Immigration in India:

Illegal immigration has been a major issue in several border states, particularly:

Assam

West Bengal

Tripura

Manipur

The issue is often connected with border management, citizenship concerns, and demographic changes.

Related Constitutional and Administrative Concepts:

National Register of Citizens (NRC) – A register to identify genuine Indian citizens.

Citizenship Act, 1955 – Governs acquisition and termination of Indian citizenship.

Directive Principles of State Policy – Encourage protection of weaker sections and balanced governance.