Punjab warns staff: No salary if you skip work after marking attendance

The Punjab government has issued a stern directive to all its departments, warning employees against a practice of marking their attendance and then leaving their workplaces during official hours. The Department of Personnel has clarified that such conduct will be treated as unauthorised absence, attracting financial penalties under the 'No Work, No Pay' rule and potential disciplinary proceedings.

The order, issued on September 8, 2026, has been circulated to all Special Chief Secretaries, Additional Chief Secretaries, Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, and Administrative Secretaries. The government noted that it had received inputs from multiple sources about employees leaving their posts after registering their presence, a practice that has been causing significant inconvenience to the public seeking services.

Under the new instructions, any employee found absent from duty after marking attendance will be deemed to be on unauthorised leave. Consequently, they will not be entitled to salary for the period of absence. The directive also makes it clear that financial penalties will not be the only consequence; formal disciplinary action will be initiated against those found violating the rules.

The move is aimed at reinforcing accountability and ensuring that government offices function efficiently during working hours. Senior administrative officers have been tasked with bringing these instructions to the notice of all staff members and ensuring strict compliance. The order, approved by the competent authority, serves as a clear notice to employees and department heads that absenteeism during duty hours will no longer be tolerated.