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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

Tribhuvan University recovers only a fraction of funds from staff who abused paid study leave

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Tribhuvan University has recovered only a fraction of funds from staff who took paid study leave and did not return.
  • Over the past year, only 62 former employees repaid a combined Rs134.8 million, despite over 191 faculty and staff failing to resume duties.
  • The university estimates losses exceeding Rs1.5 billion from employees who never returned after study leave, prompting ministry intervention.

Tribhuvan University, Nepal's largest and oldest institution, has managed to recover only a small portion of the money owed by teachers and staff who took paid study leave but never returned to their posts. Despite a year-long recovery drive and repeated notices, only 62 former employees have repaid a combined Rs134.8 million, according to Assistant Professor Jeevan Kafle, coordinator of the Study Leave Management Implementation Committee.

An investigation last year revealed that more than 191 faculty members and staff failed to resume their university duties after taking paid study leave. An additional 200-plus employees took leave but did not complete their academic programs. The university launched a campaign to recover salaries and benefits paid during study leave for those who either did not return or failed to provide proof of qualification.

After initial notices in June 2025 and June 2026 yielded little response, the university warned of legal action. Kafle stated that while 112 individuals contacted the committee, only 62 have made repayments. Formal notices have been sent to those who have neither contacted the university nor returned the funds. University officials estimate that the number of lecturers and staff who left on study leave and never returned now exceeds 250, with total losses estimated at over Rs1.5 billion.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has taken notice, with Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel instructing the university to expedite fund recovery. Recovering more than Rs130 million has been listed as a ministry achievement. Under TU regulations, employees receive paid study leave for three to five years with full salary and benefits, in exchange for a commitment to serve the university for a period equal to their leave. However, many have failed to return, pursue other jobs, or remain overseas after graduation.

We have already sent formal notices to those who have neither contacted the university nor returned the funds.

— Jeevan KafleCoordinator of the Study Leave Management Implementation Committee, explaining the next steps for those who have not complied with repayment requests.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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