146 Officials Including Deputy Director, Engineer Found Absent

Chandigarh: At least 146 officials were today found absent from duty during a surprise check in Rural Development department at Mohali in Punjab, an official spokesman said in Chandigarh.

"The checking was conducted to ensure punctuality and regularity of officials in government offices," the spokesman said.

Inspection of office rooms of some senior level officers such as Director, Deputy Directors and Administrative branches of the department was conducted and 146 officials were found absent, the spokesman said adding that these included Deputy Director, Law Officers, Superintendent Engineers and Executive Engineers.

The surprise check lasted for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, explanation from the absentee officials has been sought by the government, the spokesman added.