NEW DELHI: A report on illegal immigration, released just 48 hours before Delhi goes to the polls, has ignited a political debate. Authored by professors from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the study, titled “Illegal Immigrants to Delhi: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences,” argues that unauthorized settlements by illegal immigrants have contributed to the expansion of slums and unplanned colonies, further straining the capital’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems.
A JNU official clarified that the report is part of an ongoing study funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). “The research began in October 2024. This is a preliminary study, and the full research will take another nine months to complete,” the official stated.
However, the timing of the report has raised concerns among members of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA), who drew parallels to a similar study released just before the Maharashtra elections.
“The report is startling. It’s peculiar how such research suddenly gains prominence before elections. The timing is questionable and reminiscent of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) report that surfaced right before the Maharashtra polls,” said JNUTA president Moushumi Basu. “This pattern of shaping narratives in sync with government rhetoric does not serve academic integrity.”
Basu also questioned the way the report was presented, noting that its first page states, “JNU presents report.” She further asked, “Do all research projects by JNU faculty receive similar treatment?”
The research team listed in the report includes two investigators from the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, while other contributors remain unnamed due to security concerns.
The findings claim that illegal immigration has significantly altered Delhi’s demographic landscape, with a substantial influx of migrants from neighboring countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar. It states that these migrants tend to settle in densely populated areas like Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, Zakir Nagar, Sultanpuri, Mustafabad, Jaffrabad, Dwarka, and Govindpuri, where they reportedly put additional pressure on local resources and disrupt social cohesion.
Beyond infrastructure challenges, the report also highlights growing resentment among Delhi’s native population. “Migrants’ participation in low-wage jobs has intensified economic competition with local workers, leading to frustration. Their willingness to work for lower wages has contributed to a decline in earnings in certain sectors,” it states.
As the report continues to stir debate, its implications on the political landscape remain to be seen.
