(Rpt, correcting name in para three)

Kawardha, Dec 30 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh government issued suspension orders against officials after they were found absent at a district panchayat meeting convened here today.

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

Agriculture and Food Minister Nankiram Kanwar rpt Nankiram 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 PDM VC1845