Centre constitutes panel to examine ‘unnatural demographic change’ in India due to infiltrators

New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday announced the formation of a high-level committee to examine what it described as “unnatural demographic change” caused by infiltration and other factors across the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared details of the newly constituted panel through a post on X, stating that the initiative was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025.

Shah said the committee would study demographic changes linked to illegal immigration and assess their long-term impact on the country.

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Retired Judge to Head the Panel

The committee will be chaired by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar. Other members include former IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, former IPS officer Balaji Srivastava and economist Dr Shamika Ravi.

The Census Commissioner will also be part of the panel, while the Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will serve as the Member Secretary.

According to Shah, the committee has been tasked with carrying out a detailed study of demographic trends and recommending a time-bound strategy to address concerns arising from abnormal population shifts.

Govt Links Issue to National Security

In his statement, Amit Shah described demographic change as an issue connected to national sovereignty, security and social stability. He said the committee would assess changes occurring due to illegal immigration and other “unnatural causes,” while also analysing population shifts among religious and social communities.

The Home Minister added that the panel would suggest measures to safeguard tribal communities, maintain law and order and preserve the country’s social structure.

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PM Modi Raised Issue in Independence Day Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had highlighted concerns related to illegal immigration during his address from the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day.

At the time, he warned that infiltration and illegal migration were creating demographic imbalances, especially in border areas. He also announced plans for a “high-powered demography mission” to deal with the issue.

The government said the newly formed committee is part of that broader initiative aimed at addressing demographic challenges and strengthening national security safeguards.