The Government of India has constituted a High-Level Committee to examine demographic changes caused by illegal immigration and other abnormal factors across the country. The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the “High-powered Demography Mission” during his Independence Day address on 15 August 2025. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 11 September 2025.
The committee will be chaired by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar. Its members include the Census Commissioner, retired 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.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that illegal infiltration and unnatural demographic changes pose a major challenge to India’s sovereignty, national security, law and order, social structure, and tribal communities. He added that the government is committed to building an “infiltrator-free India” under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
The committee will conduct a scientific and comprehensive assessment of demographic shifts in different parts of the country. It will study causes such as illegal immigration, cross-border activities, economic opportunities, abnormal settlement patterns, and orchestrated migration.
It will also analyse population changes among religious and social communities where growth patterns significantly differ from broader national trends. Based on its findings, the panel will recommend policy, legislative, and administrative measures.
Additionally, the committee will suggest mechanisms for identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants, along with measures to strengthen border management and coordination between the Centre and states. The committee is expected to submit its report within one year, with a possible six-month extension if required.
