Dy CM surprise-checks PWD Jammu office, finds 70% staff absent

Srinagar, Nov 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has promised stern action against govt employees neglecting their duties.His statement came after he conducted a surprise inspection of the Chief Engineer Public Works Department (PWD) office in Jammu, only to find that nearly 70% of the staff absent from their duties.Expressing his dissatisfaction over the scenario, the Dy CM was vexed by the fact that the staff present at the office tried to deceive him about the absence of the employees.”It is unacceptable that some on-duty employees lied to me about the situation, which is why those responsible have been suspended,” news agency KNS reported while quoting the Dy CM.He said he had summoned the concerned chief engineer to the secretariat to given an explaination.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.”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, signalling a tough stance against those who fail to meet their responsibilities.