Mumbai, November 5, 2024 — The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, organized a national seminar titled “Illegal Immigrants to Mumbai: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences” at the Armaity Desai Conference Hall today. The event attracted academics, policymakers, and social leaders to discuss the pressing issues surrounding illegal immigration.
The seminar featured Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. Prof. Shankar Das, Pro Vice-Chancellor of TISS and Principal Investigator, led the discussions and shed light on the socio-economic and political challenges posed by illegal immigration in Mumbai.
Shri S.R. Meena, Director General of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, was present as the Guest of Honor, while Mr. Souvik Mondal, Co-Principal Investigator and Member Secretary of the Centre for Excellence in CSR (CECSR) at TISS, served as the seminar's convenor.
The seminar commenced with the national and college anthems, followed by a warm welcome to the attendees. Prof. Das initiated the event by providing an overview of the situation, discussing the influx of immigrants from neighboring countries and its implications on Mumbai. Key topics included the challenges of managing the Indian-Bangladesh border, the illegal immigration scenario in the context of NRC, and the lessons drawn from international security practices.
Prof. Pandit and other speakers addressed the broader impact on internal security, economic development, and cultural dynamics. Issues such as disruptions in the labor market, demographic shifts, and the risk of radicalization were discussed. The seminar also highlighted specific regional concerns, such as the Bodo land crisis and the effects on tribal populations in states like Jharkhand.
Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions on formulating sustainable policies to handle the complexities of illegal immigration effectively. The seminar concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for policy reforms and collaborative efforts to protect local communities and strengthen national security.
-by Humaira Shahin Ansari (Editor)