New Delhi, Jul 21 (IANS): The Public Works Department has directed its Executive Engineers to visit roads under their jurisdiction at least once in a month to identify non-functioning lights so that corrective action is taken promptly.

The directives were issued at a meeting held earlier this week, chaired by Engineer-in-Chief (E-in-C) Rakesh Kumar Agrawal.

"It is being reported by the public that there are many dark spots as many street-lights are not functioning. The field staff was advised that these should be promptly corrected and Executive Engineers (Elect) should visit roads under their jurisdiction at least once in a month to identify non-functioning lights so that corrective action is taken promptly," according to the minutes of the meeting.

In the meeting, the E-in-C also stressed the need for auditing the requirements of staff employed on contractual basis and their performance and use.

"Unnecessary staff should be discontinued. Executive Engineers were directed that no staff should be employed on contract without express approval in writing from the concerned Chief Engineer," it said.