The Central Government has launched a new portal to collect information on demographic changes across villages, towns and cities, including unusual population shifts and settlement patterns. The initiative aims to assess the causes and social impact of these changes and develop a systematic framework for identifying, detaining and deporting illegal immigrants in accordance with the law. The portal, demography.mha.gov.in, was launched by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, chairman of the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes.
Through the portal, citizens, state and Union Territory governments, central government departments, NGOs and other institutions can submit information, suggestions and supporting documents. The committee has outlined eight key areas for inputs, covering major demographic changes over the past 15 years, their possible causes, social consequences, administrative challenges and potential solutions. Factors under consideration include birth-rate differences, cross-border migration, economic opportunities, environmental conditions and unusual settlement patterns.
The committee will examine the submitted information to identify the factors driving demographic changes, including possible illegal immigration and migration-related challenges. It will also assess structural changes in the population of religious and social communities, particularly trends that differ from normal population growth patterns. The committee aims to recommend a legal, fair and time-bound mechanism for identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, along with stronger border management, improved coordination between the Centre and states, and better systems for monitoring demographic trends. The portal provides a platform for individuals and institutions to share relevant data and recommendations to support the committee’s assessment.
