At least 15 employees, including District Transport Officer (DTO) and his deputy, were today found absent from duty during a surprise inspection conducted by Punjab Transport Minister at Patiala.
The minister, Ajit Singh Kohar, conducted surprise checking at the office of DTO, where out of total 18 employees, 15, including the DTO and ADTO, were found absent, a spokesman said.
Later, Kohar also surveyed the office of a company working in field of registration of vehicles and smart cards of licences, where 4 employees were found absent and as many were unable to produce their identity cards when asked to do so.
The Minister directed the senior officers to seek written explanation from the truants.
He said that complaints regarding the absence of the officers/employees were pouring in, which necessitated the surprise raid.
"The department would not tolerate any kind of laxity in the official work, punctuality and accountability of officers and employees would be strictly ensured," he added.
Kohar issued strict advisory for the employees of the department, asking them to be present in the office from 9 am to 5 pm and discharge their duties with full dedication.
