RK News Service
New Delhi, June 1: Senior BJP leader and Kashmiri Pandit representative Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo on Monday welcomed the Union Government’s decision to constitute a high-level national committee to examine demographic changes in the country, describing it as a “well-timed and historic” initiative with long-term significance.
In a statement issued from New Delhi, Chrungoo said the committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, would play an important role in scientifically assessing demographic changes and recommending policy measures to address concerns arising from illegal immigration and other factors.
He said the panel would study population trends across religious and social communities, particularly in border states, and suggest legislative, administrative and policy interventions.
According to him, the move addresses concerns that have been highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santhosh over the past year.
Chrungoo said the five-member committee has been tasked with submitting its report within one year, with provision for an extension if required.
Referring to demographic concerns in different parts of the country, he alleged that illegal infiltration from neighbouring countries has created social, economic and security challenges. He also welcomed recent measures aimed at identifying and addressing such issues.
The BJP leader said people in Jammu and Kashmir who support nationalist causes have welcomed the formation of the committee and expressed hope that representatives from the Union Territory would present their views before the panel once it begins its work.
He termed the committee’s formation an important step towards understanding demographic trends and ensuring informed policy decisions in the future.