New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the newly formed high-level committee on demographic change to carry out detailed ground-level assessments of population shifts in different parts of the country. According to reports by The New Indian Express, the panel has been tasked with scientifically studying demographic changes linked to illegal immigration and other abnormal factors.
High-Level Committee Formed Under Retired Judge
The committee is being headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar. Other members include Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, former IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, retired IPS officer Balaji Srivastava, and economist Shamika Ravi. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will serve as the Member Secretary of the panel.
Panel to Conduct Detailed Field Assessments
The committee has been asked to undertake extensive field-level evaluations in regions witnessing noticeable demographic shifts. The assessment will examine possible causes behind such changes, including illegal infiltration, cross-border activities, migration patterns, economic opportunities, and socio-environmental factors.
#WATCH | Delhi | Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs a meeting on demographic change and directs the Commission to study demographic changes in border districts and visit border areas, metro cities, and industrial towns for assessment.
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2026
(Source: MHA) pic.twitter.com/YOrojBe85w
Officials said the exercise will not remain limited to data analysis alone. The panel is expected to interact with local administrations, security agencies, academic institutions, and social organisations to better understand population changes occurring in sensitive regions.
Amit Shah Calls Demographic Change a Major Challenge
Speaking about the issue, Amit Shah said demographic change caused by illegal infiltration and other abnormal reasons poses a serious challenge to the nation’s present and future. He stated that the matter is linked not only to sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, social structure, and the protection of tribal communities.
The Union Minister also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the proposal for a “High-powered Demography Mission” during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025.
Committee to Submit Report Within One Year
The committee has been given one year to submit its findings and recommendations. It is expected to suggest policy, administrative, and legal measures to address demographic imbalances and related concerns. The panel may also recommend mechanisms for improved coordination between the Centre and states on issues linked to illegal immigration and demographic change.
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