KATHMANDU: Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has said that the government’s campaign to protect public resources, strengthen good governance, and enforce institutional discipline in higher education has made notable progress.
According to Minister Pokharel, more than Rs 104.6 million has been recovered from professors of Tribhuvan University (TU) who failed to return to service after taking study leave. He said the recovery process has accelerated following the initiative of the ministry and active efforts from the university.
As per TU records, 41 professors have already returned the money. A total of Rs 104,656,804 has been recovered so far from them.
Out of 191 individuals who did not return after completing their study leave, 62 have submitted applications expressing willingness to repay the amount. Similarly, 54 individuals have already been issued letters by the investigation committee. In addition, 11 cases have come into contact, while 64 cases are still under review.
Earlier, the Ministry had expressed serious concern over the misuse of public resources and the growing trend of individuals not returning to service after completing study leave, stating that it had caused both financial and academic losses to the university.
Following this, Tribhuvan University formed an investigation committee to look into the matter and initiate recovery procedures.
The Executive Council of Tribhuvan University had formed a three-member investigation committee on January 9. 2025, under the coordination of Dr. Kafle. The committee included members Krishna Hari Acharya and Deepak Tiwari.
According to the committee’s report, a total of 398 professors and staff members were found to be involved in misuse of study leave provisions or failure to complete their studies.
Among them, 191 individuals did not return to service after study leave, while 207 failed to complete their studies.
Under TU regulations, teachers and staff are granted study leave for up to five years, but they are required to serve the university for at least five years after returning. Authorities said the recovery process was initiated after violations of this rule were identified.
Minister Pokharel said the achievement is not only about financial recovery but also a significant step toward ensuring public accountability, institutional discipline, and strengthening public trust in higher education.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to further strengthening governance, transparency, and accountability in the education sector.
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