Daily News Analysis ‘High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes and Infiltration ’ : 27 May

Why in News:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has formally constituted a high-level expert panel to evaluate “unnatural demographic changes” driven by cross-border infiltration and abnormal migration patterns.

Core Facts for UPSC Current Affairs:

• Administrative Oversight: Functions directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), formalizing the “High-powered Demography Mission” first proposed by the Prime Minister.
• Panel Leadership: Chaired by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar (Retired), former Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• Expert Composition: Comprises the Census Commissioner of India along with three prominent specialists: Durga Shankar Mishra (Retired IAS), Balaji Srivastava (Retired IPS), and noted economist Dr. Shamika Ravi.
• Operational Timeline: Mandated to submit its final report and administrative roadmap within one year from its notification date, with a provision for a six-month extension.
• Scope of Study: Investigates structural population imbalances not caused by normal birth or death rates, with particular focus on border districts, sensitive tribal regions, and rapidly shifting urban-industrial corridors.