Ludhiana, March 7 -- At least 20 employees of the municipal corporation (MC) were on Thursday found absent from duty during a surprise check by mayor Inderjit Kaur at the civic body's zone B office, officials said.

They said the mayor had conducted the check for ensuring punctuality at civic body offices.

The officials said strict warnings were issued to the staffers, directing them to reach office on time or face departmental action. During the inspection, the mayor interacted with the visitors and directed the staff to ensure hassle-free services.

Mayor Kaur said the state government, led by chief minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, is committed to the welfare of locals. Steps are being taken to streamline the working of the civic body, she...