As many as 119 officials of various departments of the Punjab secretariat were found to be absent during a suprise check today.
The checking, conducted by a high-powered team of Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, was carried out at 9.15 am, an official spokesman said here.
"The maximum number of 43 officials were found absent in the revenue department, 32 in home, 19 in information and public relations, nine in finance, six in excise and taxation, four in jails department and two each in personnel, pensions and parliamentary affairs departments," he said.
Taking serious note of the absenteeism in government offices, Kaushal has issued strict directive to the Administrative Secretaries of each department to ensure disciplined work culture amongst the employees and to also seek an explanation from erring officers/officials.
During the past one year, similar surprise checks/raids have been conducted in different departments by various officials/ministers including by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to check absenteeism and to ensure that officials report for duties on time.
