Chandigarh, Sep 22 (IANS): Action will be taken against Punjab government school teachers who have remained absent from their institutions for a long time, Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema said Monday.

He said attendance records of teachers were being sought and those found absent for a long time will face action.

As part of its drive to ensure attendance of teachers in government schools, the education department Monday conducted surprise checks in 904 schools.

"During the checks, 90 teachers were found absent and 97 teachers were late-comers. It was also found that 69 teachers have not been attending the schools since long," Cheema said.

"Surprise checking is part of a consistent campaign launched by the education department to make sure 100 percent attendance in schools and to maintain discipline. Explanations from absentee teachers would be called for and those found absent since a long time would be charge-sheeted," he said.