Appointment of the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes by the MHA is highly suspicious and unnecessary

The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC), constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to examine “demographic changes” using religion-wise data for the past 15 years, is both suspicious and divisive in nature.

The Committee has sought extensive religion-wise and district-wise data from the states. This includes information on birth and vehicle registrations, school enrolments, property transactions, religious structures, Aadhaar enrolments, voter ID cards, ration cards, and related records spanning the last 15 years.

The motives behind this exercise raise serious concerns. Most states in India do not maintain religion-wise data, except in the limited case of birth registrations. Demanding such information on religious lines is unfair and runs counter to the constitutional principle that the State shall not discriminate against citizens on the basis of religion.

Instead of focusing on urgent priorities such as generating employment for the youth, controlling price rise, and tackling corruption, the Union government appears to be diverting public attention through these unnecessary and constitutionally questionable measures.

M.K Faizy
National President
Social Democratic Party of India