New Delhi, February 25 Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday condemned the "absurd and shocking" demands and arrangements related to a senior BSNL director's proposed visit to Prayagraj, calling them "unacceptable" and said that a show-cause notice has been issued.
The Minister's comments are significant as controversy erupted after details of extensive hospitality arrangements for BSNL Director Vivek Banzal's official visit surfaced online, including requests for personal care items such as soaps, combs, shampoos, and other toiletries. The document (office order) triggered outrage over perceived entitlement and raised questions about the misuse of public resources.
The visit was subsequently cancelled after the elaborate itinerary detailed in the office order – reportedly involving nearly 50 officials and detailing arrangements down to personal items – drew widespread criticism and ridicule on social media.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Scindia said the episode was "unacceptable" and "violated all rules and traditions".
"An order like this is unacceptable in new India," Scindia said, adding that a showcause notice has been issued.
Scindia termed it "beyond absurd" and "shocking".
According to the office order – details of which went viral on social media – the proposed two-day visit of Vivek Banzal, director (CFA) of the BSNL Board, was scheduled for February 25-26.
Around 20 tasks were assigned to nearly 50 officials.
The planned itinerary included bathing in the Sangam, a boat ride, and visits to Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat, and Patalpuri temples. The 'snan' kits consisted of a towel, undergarment, slippers (mentioned as sleeper in the office order), comb, mirror, and an oil bottle.
The office order also mentioned that six male kits (consisting of a towel, underwear, mirror, comb, soap, shampoo, and oil) and two female kits should be arranged.
The order also instructed the arrangement of one bed sheet for general use at the ghat.
At the hotel and Circuit House, a dry fruit bowl, fruit bowl, shaving kit, towel, toothpaste, brush, soap, shampoo, comb, and oil were to be arranged, the order said.
Meanwhile, BSNL India, in a post on X on February 21, said, "BSNL has standing instructions regarding the manner in which official visits are to be handled. An instance of non-adherence to the same has been noted. The instance noted is not in conformity with the professional standards and values of BSNL."
"Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned."
"Further, instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant instructions. BSNL employees are reminded to strictly adhere to prescribed conduct rules and instructions in this regard," the post said.
According to the BSNL website, Banzal is an Indian Telecommunication Service officer of the 1987 batch. He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics, Master of Engineering in Computer Science, and MBA. He has more than 34 years of experience handling telecom networks in India.
"Since 2016, he has been promoting and managing Bharat Fiber (BSNL's FTTH services), BSNL IT framework, and other services. His vision has led to the digitization of processes and the introduction of innovative solutions for customers," the BSNL website said.
