New Delhi: "I am at loss to find out which counter is for what. Why don't you have proper instruction boards," said a worried Civil Aviation Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain to Air India officials after paying a visit to one of the airlines' offices on June 27.

Hussain, who has been paying surprise visits to various departments of his ministry during the last two days trying to impart greater efficiency, said it was part of his efforts to personally check the working of his ministry.

"Why don't we have even basic things like good white-washing. Why don't you renovate the place," the minister told AI officials.

The visit came close on the heels of the surprise visit on June 26 to the office of Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The minister visited the three offices of the country's flagship carrier to check the working environment of the staff and improve the image of Air India.

"I wanted to see how these people work. How many are on duty and who are absent," the minister said.

Observing the attendance at the three offices, he said it was satisfactory but also sought explanation from the senior AI officers about the absent staff.

Hussain has already made surprise checks at the offices of Indian Airlines and Alliance Air as well and the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

PTI