70% Absenteeism Found at PWD Office; Dy CM Promises Action

Jammu : In a scathing remark against absenteeism in government offices, Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has vowed to take strict action against employees neglecting their duties.

The Dy CM made the statement after conducting a surprise inspection at the Chief Engineer Public Works Department (CE PWD) office in Jammu, where he discovered that nearly 70% of the staff were absent from their posts.

Speaking to the media after the inspection, the Dy CM said, “We are representatives of the people, and we are elected by the people. The earlier rule is over, and now it is the rule of the people, the rule of democracy.”

He expressed his dissatisfaction after finding that not only were many employees absent, but some of the on-duty workers also misled him regarding the absentees. “It is unacceptable that some on-duty employees lied to me about the situation, which is why those responsible have been suspended,” he stated.

The Dy CM confirmed that the Chief Engineer (CE) had been summoned to the Secretariat for an explanation regarding the absenteeism and the mismanagement in the office. He highlighted that the government was determined to uphold its commitment to the people. “This is a people’s government now, and those who do not work for the people will face action,” he added.

The Dy CM further mentioned that such surprise inspections would continue across various government offices to ensure accountability and efficiency. “It seems we will have to go to every office,” he remarked, signaling a tough stance against those who fail to meet their responsibilities. (KNS)