141 officials found absent from duty during surprise checking

At least 141 Punjab government officials, including Health Director, were today found absent from duty during a surprise check at the health and family welfare department directorate of Punjab here today.
The absentee officials have been issued notices and asked to tender reply in a week, an official spokesman said.
The drive was carried out to ensure punctuality of officials.
"A high-level team led by Gurpreet Sapra, Special Secretary (Personnel) inspected the office of Director, Health and Family, Punjab here at 9.10 AM," the spokesman said.
The team inspected office rooms of some senior officers such as Director, Deputy Directors and Administrative branches of the Directorate and found 141 officers absent, he said.

The truants included Health Director Karamjit Singh among others.
"Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal has ordered that Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare should seek explanation of the absentee officers and officials and take necessary action within seven days.
"In case satisfactory explanations are not received within seven days, the absentee officers shall be chargesheeted by the competent authorities," the spokesman said.