Government Forms High-Level Committee to Address Demographic Changes in India
Formation of the High-Level Committee
File Image of India-Bangladesh border (Photo: AT )
New Delhi, May 26: The Central government has established a High-Level Committee tasked with evaluating the demographic shifts in India attributed to illegal immigration and other influences, as announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday.
Committee Composition and Objectives
Retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar will chair the committee, which includes members such as the Census Commissioner, retired IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, retired IPS officer Balaji Srivastava, and economist Dr. Shamika Ravi. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) from the Ministry of Home Affairs will act as the member secretary.
Shah revealed that the committee's formation was a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made on August 15, 2025, to tackle what he termed as the issue of "unnatural demographic change."
Significance of the Committee's Work
According to Shah's social media update, the challenge posed by unnatural demographic changes is significant for the nation's sovereignty, security, law and order, social fabric, and the safeguarding of tribal communities.
This announcement was made during Shah's address to Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the Sanchu border outpost in Rajasthan's Bikaner district.
Scope and Responsibilities
The committee's responsibilities are extensive. It will conduct a thorough analysis of demographic changes, investigate unusual population trends among various religious and social groups, and recommend structured, time-sensitive solutions to these challenges.
During his address, Shah noted that the nature of threats at India's borders has changed dramatically, necessitating a departure from conventional surveillance and patrolling techniques.
Emerging Threats and Security Measures
He highlighted infiltration, smuggling, and drone-assisted drug trafficking as critical emerging threats. In response to these challenges, the government has extended the BSF's operational jurisdiction to 50 kilometers from the International Border.
Shah emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the BSF, state police, and local authorities to create a more cohesive security framework, urging vigilance in border-adjacent villages for signs of infiltration and demographic shifts.
Honoring BSF Sacrifices and Future Initiatives
Shah paid homage to the over 2,000 BSF personnel who have sacrificed their lives since the force's inception, stating, "The sacrifice of these personnel is a debt on 140 crore Indians, and the nation takes pride in them."
The establishment of this committee follows the government's recent announcement of a smart border initiative along the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan, which aims to enhance border security through advanced technology rather than relying solely on manpower.