Kathmandu: Tribhuvan University (TU) has committed to taking action within two weeks against faculty members who received study leave abroad but failed to return to work, violating university regulations.

This decision follows an agreement between university officials and student unions representing five opposition parties. The agreement was reached after a media report exposed the misuse of study abroad opportunities.

TU's Coordination Division has directed all departments to submit data on teachers who have not returned after their study leave. While 68 departments have complied, 40 remain outstanding.

"We have given them this week to submit the report," said Deepak Tiwari, Acting Chief of the Division. "All records will be ready by next week. The university will initiate action once the final record is available."

Student leaders, who had staged a sit-in at the university's central office, withdrew their protest after a nine-point agreement was reached. This agreement includes a commitment to publicize the details of service, benefits, and salaries of defaulting teachers within two weeks.

Tribhuvan University, Nepal's oldest and largest university, allows faculty members to pursue higher education abroad to enhance their qualifications. Eligible teachers, typically lecturers and assistant professors with five years of service, can receive paid study leave for three to five years. While teachers can select their preferred universities, some study abroad opportunities are allocated by TU.

The university's "Teacher Staff Service Rules-1994" stipulates that teachers who utilize five years of study leave must return to work for at least five years. Those on three-year leave are required to serve for a corresponding period.

Teachers seeking study leave must sign a bond with the Coordination Division and present a witness. The rules state that teachers absent from work for 90 days may be dismissed, but such instances are rare.

Despite these rules, some teachers who have remained abroad continue to receive salaries from the university. The administration has assured that the law will be fully enforced once all data on defaulting teachers is collected.

The agreement also includes a commitment to publicize a report on the encroachment of TU land, including 108 ropanis occupied by the Laboratory School, operated by Nepali Congress treasurer Umesh Shrestha. The report, prepared by former secretary Sharada Prasad Trital, was submitted to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli but has not been made public.

"The reports have pointed at political hands in grabbing the lands of both the universities," stated an official at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. "It requires courage and commitment to implement it."