LUCKNOW, Sept. 13 -- A day after mayor Sushma Kharkwal's sudden inspection exposed absenteeism at Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) headquarters, civic officials appeared more alert on Friday. During a reality check conducted by Hindustan Times between 10.20 am and 12 noon on Friday, most senior officials were found to be present at the LMC office by 11 am. The mayor on Thursday had reprimanded officers for skipping duty during the crucial grievance redressal hours-10 am to 12 noon-despite clear instructions from the state government. Her strict action seems to have had an immediate impact, as officials showed up the very next day. Around 11 am, additional municipal commissioner (AMC) Lalit Kumar was found at his seat, unlike the previous day when his office had been vacant. Chief engineer (civil) Mahesh Verma, who was not in his seat on Thursday, reached the office at around 10.30 am on Friday. However, AMC Namrata Singh remained absent on Friday, with her staff informing that she was on leave. Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar continued to be present at his office, listening to public grievances as he had done the previous day. He acknowledged that the mayor's inspection had created a sense of urgency among officials. "The sudden checks have ensured more punctuality. Citizens must feel that their grievances are being heard without delay," he told HT....