Minister suspends absent officials

Kawardha, Dec 30 (UNI) Incensed over officials' absence at a district panchayat meeting convened here today in Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh's native district, Agriculture and Food Minister Nankiram Kanwar issued suspension orders.

The meeting was to review public works, power and the Prime Minister's Rural Roads Scheme but not only the departments' officials but also the panchayat's chief executive officer (CEO) failed to show up.

Mr Kanwar, who suddenly reached here, entered the meeting in the inspection bungalow and learnt of the officials' absence.

''I have ordered Collector Sonmani Vora to suspend the officials.

The CEO reached late and could not furnish a satisfactory reason for the delay. I will also urge the chief minister to be strict,'' the minister told UNI.

UNI AS-AC 1739