The recommendations made to Delhi Vidyut Board chairman Navin Chawla state that the DVB should start observation and listening posts to monitor power thefts, meter-tampering and stores management.

One suggestion was that the unions (including the engineering staff) give assurances -- as asked of DVB members vide Section 9 of the DE Bill -- that none of their relatives be involved in contracts and money transactions undertaken by the DVB.

``If need be the DVB should adopt a system for voting out the most corrupt amongst them on the pattern of the IAS Association of UP,'' pointed out Lal.The DVB has already launched a campaign to combat power thefts but Lal pointed out that the board should also try to check thefts that the DVB staff are involved in.

``Whenever street lights are on before dusk and after dawn, it is theft in any language. Whenever all the street lights are on for repair work on one of the lights, it is tantamount to theft. Whenever deposit works are pending it is tantamount to misappropriation amounting to theft,'' he added.