A recent report by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has highlighted the significant impact of illegal migration on Delhi's socio-economic and political landscape. The 114-page study, titled Illegal Immigrants to Delhi: Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences, points to political patronage as a key factor in enabling this migration and its influence on the city’s infrastructure.
The report, which involved researchers from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), reveals how political figures allegedly facilitate voter registration for illegal migrants through forged identification documents, compromising the legal and electoral systems.
According to the study, Delhi's religious composition has notably shifted due to the influx of Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, reshaping the socio-political fabric of the city.
The migration surge has led to slum expansion and overcrowding, with areas like Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, Mustafabad, and Govindpuri witnessing significant settlement growth. Migrants primarily find employment in construction and domestic services, contributing to wage suppression and increased competition for jobs.
The report warns that unplanned urban expansion has strained essential services, including water, electricity, and healthcare.
The study notes the role of informal agents, brokers, and religious figures in helping migrants secure housing, employment, and fraudulent documents. This practice fuels slum proliferation and exerts pressure on infrastructure.
It further links the influx of migrants to the strengthening of criminal networks, including those involved in smuggling, document forgery, and human trafficking.
BJP leader Sambit Patra criticized the findings, accusing the AAP government of playing a role in facilitating illegal migration and voter registration fraud.
The report also warns that providing resources such as healthcare and education to undocumented migrants could attract more illegal settlements, creating additional governance challenges for the capital.
The study concludes that unless migration trends are better managed, Delhi's political, social, and governance systems will face long-term consequences.
