Agriculture and forestry university forms panel to probe misuse of study leave

The Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), based in Chitwan, has formed a probe committee. The committee will examine possible misuse of study leave taken by teachers and staff.

A letter issued by Registrar Professor Dr Suvir Singh states the basis for forming the committee. It was formed following directives from the University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Education and Sports, and a decision of the Executive Council.

Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Dr Gandhiv Kafle is the committee's coordinator. Members include Co-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Dr Krishna Prasad Thapaliya, Co-Administrator Sahadev Chaudhary, and Co-Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries Rajendra Basyal. Acting Deputy Administrator at the Staff Administration Division Dinesh Adhikari has been given the responsibility of member-secretary.

The committee will collect details of teachers and staff who have taken study leave since the university's establishment to date. Both those who have worked at the university since the beginning and those who joined through adjustment from other universities or bodies will fall under the investigation.

The committee will examine the process of approving leave, the purpose of the leave and the status of study, and will also look into what the leave-takers did during the leave period. It must submit a detailed report to the Registrar's Office by Poush 13, 2083.