A National Vigilance Centre study exposes the anomalies and irregularities prevailing in Tribhuvan University (TU).

Professors and lecturers shirk their official duties in the country’s oldest university in the country, the study reveals.

Professors and lecturers, recruited in permanent positions by the 59-year-old University took lesser hours of classes than prescribed in the curriculum.

They conducted just three to four hours of classes in a week instead of at least 12-15 hours of classes.

A team coordinated by the Superintendent of Police Ranjan Bista of the Centre conducted the study in universities and  colleges affiliated to TU from April to mid-June earlier this year.

Centre’s Information Officer Dalnath Aryal said teachers working in colleges under TU such as the Engineering College at Pulchowk, Tri-Chandra College, Amrit Science Campus among others enjoy all state facilities and perks in stark contrast to their dismal performance.

Aryal said the majority of teachers at TU often submit applications seeking its permission to teach in other academic institution. The TU Monitoring Directorate easily issues permissions to them that encourage dubious practices at the university.

While permanent teachers shirk from their teaching duties, recruiting contractual teachers adds to the financial burden of the university, said Aryal.

The TU has 7,920 permanent teachers, 1,410 out of these teach elsewhere with impunity. There is no clarity on the exact number of vacant positions in TU since resignations letters submitted by teachers are yet to be accepted. Resignations submitted by 33 professors in the last two decades are yet to be approved. As a result, it is difficult to ascertain the number of vacancies in the TU.

The study also reveals most teachers were not punctual and often quit their professional engagements with the university without obtaining prior approvals.

Increase in campus politics and the prevalence of ulterior motives among teachers, staff and students have significantly contributed to dubious practices in the university, the study concludes.