Chandigarh, Sep 10 (IANS): The Punjab government Wednesday issued show-cause notices to 55 Punjab Secretariat employees who were found absent during a surprise check by state Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal.

"Cracking the whip on erring late-coming staff posted in the Punjab Civil Secretariat here, the secretariat administration today issued show-cause notice to 55 employees who were not found on their seats at 09.07 hours during a surprise check conducted by Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal. They have been issued the notice under Section 10 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970," an official spokesman said.

He said that four under-secretaries have also been issued explanation call for their failure in not ensuring punctuality of staff working under them and for lax supervision.

Those found absent included four superintendents, 20 senior assistants, seven personal staff of ministers and 24 other employees.

The errant staff have been asked to submit their reply within seven days or face disciplinary action.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has, in recent days, conducted surprise checks in various offices. Ministers and senior officers have also paid surprise visits to ensure punctuality and availability of officers and staff in offices.