GUWAHATI: The Centre has constituted a High-Level Committee on Demographic Change to examine population shifts arising from infiltration and other unnatural factors, and to suggest a planned and time-bound solution to address the issue.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, said that infiltration and other reasons causing “unnatural demographic change” pose a very significant challenge to the present and future of any nation. He said the issue is linked to sovereignty, national security, law and order, social structure and the preservation of tribal society.
He added that demographic change is a serious concern not only for sovereignty but also for internal stability, noting that it can lead to profound changes in the social fabric and impact the protection of tribal communities.
The initiative follows the “High-powered Demography Mission” announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2025, and the subsequent approval of the proposal by the Union Cabinet on September 11, 2025.
The committee will be chaired by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar (Retired). Its members include the Census Commissioner, Durga Shankar Mishra (Retd. IAS), Balaji Srivastava (Retd. IAS), and Dr. Shamika Ravi. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I), Ministry of Home Affairs, will serve as Member Secretary.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment of demographic changes across India due to illegal immigration and other unnatural causes. It will analyse patterns of abnormal population shifts across religious and social communities and recommend a structured and time-bound framework to address the issue.
The panel has been tasked to submit its report within one year, with the possibility of a six-month extension if required.