Paid to Study, Failed to Return: TU Pursues 398 faculty members

Kathmandu: Tribhuvan University (TU) has issued a final 15-day notice to faculty members and staff who failed to return to service after completing their study leave, directing them to repay salaries and allowances received during the leave period or face legal action.According to Dr. Jeevan Kafle, coordinator of the Study Leave Management Implementation Committee, the university has published a public notice giving the individuals one last opportunity to contact the institution and settle their obligations.

“Teachers and employees who did not return to service after utilizing study leave, or who failed to complete the mandatory service period required by university regulations, have been asked to get in touch with the university,” Kafle said. “If they fail to do so, legal proceedings will be initiated in accordance with the signed agreements and university rules.”

The committee, formed to investigate cases of faculty members who did not return after study leave and to recover financial losses, has been given until the end of the current fiscal period to complete its work. If those concerned fail to respond within the 15-day deadline, the committee will submit a final report to the university leadership detailing outstanding cases and recovery efforts.The move comes amid increased pressure from the government to bring those who violated study leave provisions under legal scrutiny. Kafle said both the government and the Minister for Education have shown serious concern over the issue and instructed authorities to ensure effective implementation.An investigation conducted by the committee found that 398 faculty members had misused study leave benefits, causing losses of more than Rs 2 billion to the university.So far, 50 individuals have returned a total of Rs 118.4 million to TU. The committee has also sent formal notices to those who have yet to repay the funds.

Among those who have returned the money are two sitting lawmakers. Dr. Anand Chand, a member of parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party elected from Kailali-5, repaid Rs 4.456 million on April 12. Jagat Timilsina, a Nepali Congress member of the National Assembly from Gandaki Province, returned Rs 3.35 million on April 15. Before entering politics, Chand served as an assistant professor at Patan Multiple Campus, while Timilsina worked as an associate professor at TU’s Central Department of Management.Under the TU Service Rules 2050, faculty members who take study leave for more than three years and up to five years must serve the university for at least five years upon their return. Those who take three years of study leave are required to serve for at least three years afterward. However, many recipients of study leave have failed to return to their posts.

Faculty members granted study leave sign an agreement committing to repay salaries and benefits received during the leave period, along with 10 percent interest, if they fail to return. Investigations have found that many instead resign without reimbursing the university.

TU provides paid study leave to develop highly qualified academic personnel. However, widespread misuse of the scheme has resulted in significant financial losses, academic disruptions and reputational damage to the university.

The highest number of violations was recorded in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences with 114 cases, followed by the Institute of Science and Technology with 106 and the Institute of Engineering with 99. Other cases include 28 in the Institute of Forestry, 13 in the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, nine each in the Institute of Medicine and Faculty of Education, 19 in the Faculty of Management, and one in the Faculty of Law.

According to the committee’s report, 191 faculty members never returned after their study leave ended, while 207 failed to complete their studies despite taking leave, bringing the total number of cases to 398.