Ravneet Singh
Tribune News Service
Patiala, July 2

As many as 14 faculty members of Punjabi University are under the scanner for flouting rules of availing study leave with salary.

Though the university earlier allegedly gave it a pass as the cases are old, the office of the Chancellor-Governor has sought a compliance report in the matter.

The 14 teachers were awarded study leave for PhD research purposes with salary at different times. As per claims raised in a complaint filed with the office of the Chancellor, they failed to submit their research in stipulated time and some even failed to complete their research work.

The university has now formed a committee led by the Dean (Academics) to probe the matter and submit a report. Following the compliance report sought by the Chancellor’s office, the university has also tightened rules to grant study leave.

As per rules, the university can grant the teaching faculty leave of up to two years for research work leading to a doctorate degree with salary. Such employees are required to sign a bond to serve the university for five years on return.

Officials on the campus said the university could penalise the individuals and collect the paid salary if the research work was not completed. They added there were many other teachers as well who availed study leave as per the given rules but did not comply with them.

Vice Chancellor Prof Arvind said: “A committee led by the Dean (Academics) is preparing a report on the matter. It is an old case. Some teachers were not able to complete the research work in time. It is a serious matter if an individual fails to complete the research work at all, but the delay in completion is also being looked into. We will look into other cases as well.”