Surprise check at Punjab secretariat finds 119 'absent'

A surprise check on various departments of the Punjab secretariat on Thursday found at least 119 officials "absent", a state government spokesman said.

The checking was done by a team of officials deputed by state Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal.

"The maximum number of 43 officials were found absent in the revenue department, 32 in home, 19 from information and public relations department, nine from finance, six from excise and taxation, four from jails department and two each from personnel, pensions and parliamentary affairs departments," the spokesman said.

Taking a strong note of the absenteeism, Kaushal directed administrative secretaries of each department to seek explanation from the erring officials and ensure discipline.