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Sanjeev Sanyal, economist and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, on Monday termed illegal immigration a global issue which has huge implications on politics, security, and the country's demographics worldwide.
Speaking at a seminar in JNU, Sanyal calls for an "honest discussion" and data-driven studies on the impacts of illegal immigration. He was the chief guest at a seminar at JNU. The seminar was organised by JNU where an interim report prepared by TISS faculty on illegal immigration in Mumbai was presented. Sanyal highlighted the global relevance of the issue. "Elections are being fought on the topic of illegal immigration, whether we like it or not," he stated. "It is now a global issue. It is a topic that is debated, it is an issue that drives electoral politics both ways, and it is an issue that I think ultimately needs to be honestly discussed. One of the real problems has been that, due to certain misplaced political correctness, this issue has not been discussed seriously, particularly in academia, where it was considered a topic that was to be sort of brushed under the carpet. But I think the time has come to have an honest discussion on this matter," Sanyal added. He went on to say that the distinction between legal and illegal migration is crucial. "The question is, is it legal or not?" Sanyal noted. "This does matter, because changing demographics, particularly by those who do not have a stake in the system, particularly by those who want to change the character of the places to which they migrate, is something we need to have an honest discussion about." Drawing on historical examples, Sanyal warned of the consequences of unchecked demographic changes, referencing how cities like Lahore and Karachi have shifted dramatically since the partition, with Hindu and Sikh populations declining. "As we speak, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian minorities are facing daily persecution in Bangladesh," he added, highlighting the regional urgency of the issue. During the three-hour seminar, speakers which included JNU VC Santishree D Pandit, and TISS Pro Vice-Chancellor Shankar Das elucidated the grave danger of illegal immigration. Das is the principal investigator of the report titled "Illegal Immigrants to Mumbai Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences." The focus was largely on illegal Muslim immigration from Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries. JNU VC Santishree Pandit echoed the concerns around illegal immigration, urging the audience to recognize the potential risks posed by unregulated migration. "Please remember, let us not be in a state of denial," she said, stressing that unchecked immigration could undermine constitutional rights, especially for women and marginalized communities. "The constitutional rights and women's rights given by Babasaheb Ambedkar to India will be at stake because those who come in do not accept that constitution. They want their own law above the Constitution of India." Pandit urged young intellectuals to understand the depth of Ambedkar's views on migration and communal harmony. Quoting from Ambedkar's work Pakistan or the Partition of India, she highlighted his advocacy for structured migration policies to ensure societal balance. "Please stop garlanding him and start reading him," she advised, calling on citizens to honor Ambedkar's legacy by safeguarding his vision of India's inclusive, constitutional framework. TISS Pro VC Shankar Das highlighted how immigration pressures India's economic and social fabric, pointing to threats to infrastructure, population dynamics, and cultural identity. "It's a great concern for the nation, especially for its economic opulence, population dynamics, health, and other amenities," Das said, expressing concern about the risks posed to language and culture. She noted that illegal immigration is not simply an economic issue but may also involve radicalization risks. "There is a huge nexus between agents in India and Bangladesh," she stated, mentioning that some agents may be linked to unregistered NGOs or faith-based organizations. Bharat also drew parallels with Western Europe's experience, where immigration has led to social unrest and challenges to local livelihoods, citing examples from the UK, France, and Germany. The interim report was also presented during the seminar. The report by TISS examines the socio-economic and political effects of illegal immigration to Mumbai, focusing on challenges to infrastructure, public services, and social cohesion. The study by TISS reveals critical findings on the impact of illegal immigration in Mumbai. It highlights overcrowded slums, where an influx of illegal immigrants has put immense pressure on public services like healthcare, education, sanitation, and infrastructure, limiting access for local residents. It also reports that competition from immigrants has led to lower wages and job displacement for locals, especially in sectors like construction and domestic work. Social tensions have increased, with issues such as communal conflicts, security risks, and strained law enforcement in immigrant-dense areas. Additionally, demographic shifts, including a projected decrease in the Hindu population and an increase in the Muslim population by 2051, point to significant cultural and political implications. (ANI)
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