The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) is gearing up to conduct a comprehensive study on population shifts post-2011 Census, sending detailed questionnaires to Chief Secretaries across states. This initiative, led by a retired Supreme Court judge, aims to compare census data with current scenarios, offering valuable insights into the scale of change. The committee's approach is multi-faceted, involving both data analysis and on-the-ground visits to affected areas. The 2027 Population Census, a 16-year gap from the previous one, is currently in its House Listing and Housing Operations (HLO) phase, with the final Population Enumeration set for March 1, 2027. The HLO provides a preliminary glimpse into settlements and population estimates. The committee's scope extends beyond the census, as it seeks to understand the impact of illegal immigration and other demographic changes. It will also collaborate with the Election Commission of India to gather data on voter roll exclusions, potentially shedding light on the number of illegal migrants in the country. This data is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by demographic shifts, which the existing institutional framework may not be adequately equipped to handle. The committee's composition includes experts from various fields, such as Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, retired IAS officer Durga Shanker Mishra, and retired IPS officer Balaji Srivastava. The committee's work is a response to the Prime Minister's call for a 'High-powered Demography Mission' to address the complexities of demographic changes, particularly those arising from illegal immigration. The committee's recommendations will be pivotal in shaping a well-organised and permanent operational system for the identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants, ensuring a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to these demographic challenges.
