Home Ministry launches portal to gather nationwide data on demographic shifts linked to illegal immigration

The Ministry of Home Affairs has opened a portal to gather detailed input on demographic changes across India, especially those linked to illegal immigration. The portal, https://demography.mha.gov.in, invites responses from central and state ministries, NGOs, academia, international bodies and ordinary citizens. It seeks mobile number, address and email and requires consent for data use. The High‑Level Committee on Demographic Changes, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar and set up on May 26, will analyse the submissions to pinpoint causes and suggest a permanent system for legal, fair and timely identification, detention and deportation of illegal immigrants. The portal notes that recent shifts are not due to normal fertility or mortality but stem from illegal immigration, irregular mobility and administrative laxity, with noticeable impact in border districts, urban centres, industrial corridors and tribal areas. Respondents are grouped into three categories: central government bodies; state and UT administrations; and civil‑society actors including NGOs, academic institutions, industry groups, international organisations and individual citizens. Individuals answer eight questions covering observed changes over the past 15 years, drivers, effects on employment, education, health, housing, infrastructure, public services, environment and social harmony, as well as challenges, successful interventions and supporting data. A 35‑point questionnaire sent to states on September 28 asked for district‑wise and religion‑wise data on births, school enrolment, ration cards, vehicle and property registrations, voter lists and spikes in Aadhaar, voter ID and ration‑card issuances, plus any forged documents. The data will help the committee draft recommendations for addressing demographic challenges.

Context

India’s population exceeds 1.4 billion, and demographic shifts can strain public services and alter political balances. Border districts often see cross‑border movement, while urban growth pressures housing and infrastructure. Tracking these trends helps policymakers allocate resources and maintain social stability.