Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Illegal migration has become a pressing concern for India, affecting various aspects of the nation's internal dynamics.

• This issue, primarily stemming from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, has far-reaching consequences on India's demographic composition, socio-economic structure, and national security.

Body

Dimensions of Illegal Migration in India:

• Scale: Millions of illegal immigrants reside in India, particularly from Bangladesh.
• Routes: Porous borders, especially in the Northeast and West Bengal, facilitate illegal entry.
• Push Factors: Poverty, political instability, and environmental disasters in neighboring countries drive migration.
• Pull Factors: Economic opportunities, cultural similarities, and established migrant networks attract immigrants to India.

Impact on Demographic Patterns:

• Population Growth: Illegal migration contributes to rapid population growth in border states, straining local resources.
  • Example: Assam's population growth rate has consistently exceeded the national average, partly attributed to illegal migration.
• Altered Ethnic Composition: The influx of migrants changes the ethnic balance in certain regions.
  • Example: The demographic shift in parts of West Bengal has led to social and political tensions.
• Urbanization: Many migrants settle in urban slums, contributing to unplanned urban growth.

Impact on Socio-Economic Fabric:

• Labor Market: Illegal immigrants often work in informal sectors, potentially displacing local workers and suppressing wages.
• Public Services: Increased pressure on healthcare, education, and housing infrastructure.
  • In border districts of West Bengal, public hospitals report strain due to patients from across the border.
• Social Cohesion: Cultural differences can lead to tensions between immigrants and local populations.
  • Periodic conflicts in Assam between Bodo tribes and Bengali-speaking immigrants.
• Political Landscape: Demographic changes influence voting patterns and political representation.
  • Allegations of vote bank politics in states like West Bengal where parties are accused of appeasing illegal immigrants for electoral gains.

Impact on National Security:

• Terrorism and Insurgency: Some groups exploit illegal migration channels for anti-national activities.
  • Example: Investigations into terror attacks like the 2014 Burdwan blast revealed involvement of illegal immigrants.
• Crime and Trafficking: Illegal migration networks often overlap with smuggling and human trafficking operations.
  • Example: The India-Bangladesh border is a known route for cattle smuggling and human trafficking.
• Internal Security Apparatus: Significant resources are diverted to detect and deport illegal immigrants.
  • Example: The complex and costly process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Conclusion

Addressing the issue of illegal migration requires a comprehensive approach involving better border management, diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries, and balanced internal policies that consider both security concerns and humanitarian aspects. The government must also focus on economic development in border regions to reduce the appeal of illegal migration while ensuring that genuine Indian citizens are not unfairly targeted in the process of identifying illegal immigrants.