Dr Govinda Dahal

Director of the Center for Nepal Studies, UK, Dr Govinda Dahal, is leading the first-ever survey of the immigrant Nepalese community now residing in the UK. A Ph. D. in Social Statistics/Demography from the University of Southampton, UK, Dahal did his MA in Population Studies (first class first) from the Tribhuvan University. He also completed masters in Demography from the Australian National University, Canberra. He has published a number of research papers/articles in various national and international journals in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and population and environment, among others. He responded to the queries put forward by the Nepalnews.com. Follows excerpts of the interview:

Why is the Centre of Nepal Studies launching the survey of the Nepalese living in the UK?

The relations marking the beginning of a new political era between Nepal and the United Kingdom (UK) commenced in 1815 AD when Britain began recruiting Gurkhas in the British Army. Since the tour of Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana to the UK in 1852 till today, considerable number of Nepalese, as one of the prominent ethnic minority groups, are residing permanently in the UK. Evidence suggests that there are three main reasons in the surge of recent rise of Nepalese population in the UK: a) change in the British legislation which grants the Gurkha soldiers the right to migrate to the UK after retirement; b) immigration of victims of the decade and half long (1996 – 2006) insurgency; and c) various work and skill-related programmes including highly skilled migrant programme attracted skilled Nepalese to pursue their career in the UK.

Understanding the size and distribution of this population is important to the UK government, local councils and other organisations to base decisions about development plans and investment in new or improved facilities such as housing, healthcare, schools and other infrastructures. In addition, this would be noble information for Nepalese individuals and communities for their own business and social welfare plans. This information is equally important to Nepal Government to understand their citizens’ concerns abroad. For example, Non-resident Nepali Association (NRN) is demanding for dual citizenships and for a conducive environment for investment in Nepal, but unfortunately NRN is not in a position to claim the exact figures of prospective dual citizenship aspirants in the UK and other countries.

The reason for this is the limited amount of demographic data available in the census and other surveys in the UK. Although the 2001 census of the UK is a turning point in terms of the availability of ethnic data there is limited scope to explore data on Nepalese population since they are classified as “Other Asian” groups in the classification. This classification masks the absolute growth of Nepalese communities in the UK and their socioeconomic backgrounds; hence it limits opportunities for further demographic analysis. For example, by country of birth, the total number of Nepalese living in England and Wales in 2001 was 11,260 according to the Office of National Statistics UK. Analysing the distribution of this population by their characteristics is not possible as the breakdown of total number by characteristics does not show any consistent pattern. So, to fill all these gaps, the Centre for Nepal Studies UK is launching a complete enumeration of Nepalese living in the UK.

How strong and diverse is the Nepalese community in the UK? How will the survey help them?

Although Nepali community in the UK is a reflection of more than 60 ethnic groups, as recorded in the 2001 Nepal census, how many of them are represented in the UK is an open but unanswered question as of yet. As we all are migrants, the needs associated with our educational, health, employment, communication, professional career etc. are also linked to this diversity. This enumeration will trace the level of our diversity and therefore the needs, aspirations, values, sense of worthiness and so on through which necessary community development policies can be planned based on these specific information which may be helpful for Nepali community in the UK.

How could tax-paying and law-abiding Nepalese community in the UK lobby for more facilities from the local authorities and central government in the UK?

We reside in the UK and contribute to the UK economy. We however are not systematically recorded in the system. We are reflected in the UK system as: “Other Asian” category with no specific identity of our own. If our population, by count, would appear to be sufficient in size as to be grouped into separate category during the coming 2011 UK census, we must have to try for that. If it happened, it would be of great achievement for Nepalese and it will be easy for us to be privileged and honoured to exercise our rights in the UK communities, which is one of the goals of this study.

The proposed research also will show a clear distribution pattern of Nepalese based on the geography of residence, age, sex, education, occupation, social groups, cultural practices, professionalism, etc. We will also explore the information: what facilities tax-paying and law-abiding Nepalese ethnic community can enjoy based on the provisions made by the local and central authorities. These information are expected to be useful to every individual to be informed of the facilities they are entitled to. Based on these information, Nepalese communities can move forward to lobby for more facilities from the local or central authorities to tailor their needs. Therefore, we appeal every Nepali individual to help as this study is being conducted for the sole purpose of our common goals.

What motivated you to undertake this innovative exercise? Who is supporting you, both logistically as well as financially, in this campaign?

Our Centre for Nepal Studies UK (CNSUK) team (please see in www.cnsuk.org.uk) is a strong interdisciplinary team. It is exciting to share that our interest became common for identifying the size and distribution of Nepalese population residing in the UK and work for the welfare of Nepalese community. Initially, we tried to find data of Nepalese population from the Office of National Statistics and the Home Office UK. When we analysed these data we failed to trace reliable pattern of population characteristics. Then the idea of conducting census became precise.

At the same time, Non-residents Nepalese Association, (NRN-UK) being interested in our plans became a close collaborator. After having the scheme discussed to its minute details, the organisation pledged its contribution of 20,000 pounds for the support of this project. It is equally important to note that, as of today, we have been voluntarily working on this project for the last seven months. In addition, we have also been waiting for other institutions, which have shown their willingness to assist in the project, to decide on the methods of their involvement. Finally, there are quite a few organisations, in which we have applied for funds, to answer to our cause. In addition, I am pleased to share with you here that all Nepali individuals, institutions and community organizations in the UK have appreciably given their warm words of cooperation for this study.

How would you ensure that the data compiled by the Centre will be used for the academic purpose only? What are your future programmes?

In any research, collecting reliable data is very important. CNSUK is registered to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) UK hence we are bound by UK Law to use the data only for the research purpose and not otherwise. Thus, the data protection will be observed in the strictest sense. Only a small team of experts will be involved in the data processing task who are committed to protect personal information. We assure Names, addresses and personal information will not be used in any circumstances. It means that from the data you provide, only statistical tables and charts are generated without using any individual names and addresses.

To elaborate further, in the questionnaire, we have asked the respondents to list the names of her/his family members. The sole purpose of this is to help respondents to remember the person-specific information. If someone chooses not to give her/his name or that of the others in his family, pseudo names/relations such as husband, wife, first son, etc. can be used as long as the information given belongs to the right person. As we verify and enter the data in the computer, these names/pseudo names are helpful, but in the computer these names and addresses (of any individuals) are never recorded. Thus, personal data remains anonymous.

Immediately, following this research, our aim is to be involved in intervention programmes targeting the Nepalese community in the UK and rural communities in Nepal. Thus, participation in research work and involvement in community development programmes would be the two concrete methods of involvement that CNSUK would like to be engaged in.

Last, but not the least, Centre for Nepal Studies UK makes appeal to all Nepalese residing in the UK for support and cooperation. We are volunteering for a common cause and request that you would contribute a little of your time as token of support and cooperation. Your small effort will be of immense help in achieving our common aspirations.

If you have any queries, you may contact 0044(0)2380679377 or write to cnsuk07@googlemail.com or visit www.cnsuk..org.uk for further information.—Ed.

(Editor's Note: Nepalnews will continue this column by talking to officials, professionals, politicians, businessmen, diplomats, those who make outstanding achievements in their chosen field and newsmakers. Please post your suggestions/comments to feedback@mos.com.np)

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