TU Teachers on Long Study Leave Begin Returning Funds After Probe

Teachers of Tribhuvan University (TU) who failed to return to service after taking long-term study leave have started depositing mandatory amounts following increased scrutiny over misuse of the provision.

Acting on concerns raised by the government regarding financial and institutional losses caused by non-returning faculty members, the university initiated a review process to recover dues from those who did not resume their duties after completing study leave.

According to TU, so far 41 teachers have deposited funds into the University Pension Fund, totaling over Rs 140.65 million.

Coordinator of the probe committee, Dr. Jeewan Kafle, said that out of 191 teachers who had taken study leave, 41 have already returned the required amounts. He added that 62 other teachers have submitted applications expressing their intention to repay the money.

The university has intensified its recovery efforts following directives and continued monitoring from the concerned ministry. Authorities estimate that nearly Rs 2 billion in public funds may have been affected due to teachers not returning to service after their study leave.

Under TU regulations, faculty members and employees are eligible for study leave of up to five years, provided they either return to service upon completion or refund the stipulated amount if they fail to do so.