The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) on Wednesday found 69 staffers of various departments absent during office hours when it conducted a surprise check. The KMC has asked the absent staffers to furnish clarifications within 24 hours.

A team under the command of Joint Secretary Tok Raj Pandey conducted surprise check of various departments including secretariat, division, unit and projects from 2 pm to 3pm today.

KMC spokesperson Gyanendra Karki said the KMC had asked 24 officer level and 45 assistant level staffers out of 322 to furnish clarification after they were found absent during the surprise check.

“The surprise check was conducted to make the staffers disciplined, accountable and responsible,” he said, adding, “They were found indulged in other works during the office hour. We will initiate the process to take action against them.”

He said the absentees will be booked under Metropolitan Service Contract Regulations 2061.