Over 500 suggestions in 2 days of launch of portal to flag unnatural demographic changes

Within two days of the High-Level Committee's (HLC) launch of a dedicated web portal, over 500 suggestions have been received. The portal, accessible at demography.mha.gov.in, allows anyone to provide information on unnatural demographic changes, their causes, and the factors behind these shifts. Officials claim the portal will facilitate submissions from Central government ministries, state and union territory governments, NGOs, institutions, and individuals.

The HLC was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 26. Its mandate includes examining the challenges posed by demographic changes, particularly those stemming from illegal immigration. The Committee is tasked with identifying the root causes of these changes, including variations in fertility rates, cross-border movement (including illegal immigration), economic opportunities, and other socio-environmental factors.

Furthermore, the Committee is responsible for recommending a well-organized, permanent operational system for the identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants already residing in the country. Recommendations will also extend to strengthening border management, population stabilization, and identification systems for ongoing monitoring of demographic trends.

The Committee is also asked to propose a comprehensive policy framework to enhance coordination between Central and State governments concerning illegal immigration and its impact on demographic imbalances.