BSNL's Extravagant Official Protocol in Prayagraj Triggers Public Backlash and Swift Cancellation
A detailed protocol prepared by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the upcoming visit of a senior director to Prayagraj has ignited significant controversy and embarrassment for the government-run telecommunications entity. The elaborate plan, which included provisions for personal comfort items typically considered private, was leaked online, leading to widespread criticism on social media platforms.
Leaked Document Reveals Extensive Arrangements
According to reports, the protocol was meticulously drafted on February 19th for the director's scheduled visit on February 25th and 26th. The itinerary included review meetings and a religious visit to a Jain pilgrimage site in Kaushambi. What drew particular attention was the scale of arrangements: approximately fifty officials were mobilized to ensure the visit proceeded smoothly.
The document outlined the formation of multiple committees tasked with various responsibilities, ranging from logistical coordination to personal hospitality. Welcome kits for the official were specified to contain water bottles, chocolates, chips, and fruit juice. More controversially, personal-use kits were to include new towels, undergarments, sleepers, and grooming essentials such as hair oil.
Minute-by-Minute Planning and Vehicle Specifications
The protocol left no detail to chance. It featured a comprehensive minute-to-minute schedule of the official's movements and clearly assigned roles and responsibilities to officers at different locations. Transportation arrangements called for two white Innova cars, each equipped with fresh towels. The order explicitly stated: "It is requested to all officers/officials for active participation, efforts and contribution towards successful completion of the visit scheduled."
The document was structured with four distinct columns: programme, description, committee member, and date and time. All staff involved were instructed to guarantee a flawless execution, with committee members held directly accountable for the timely completion of their assigned tasks.
Social Media Storm and Immediate Cancellation
Once the protocol document circulated on social media, public reaction was swift and severe. Citizens expressed outrage over what they perceived as excessive pampering and the inappropriate involvement of senior officers in handling personal toiletries. The backlash was intense, with many questioning the use of public resources for such lavish arrangements.
In response to the escalating controversy, BSNL took decisive action. On February 20th, the order was cancelled with immediate effect. The company addressed the issue publicly on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating: "BSNL has standing instructions in place regarding the manner in which official visits are to be handled. An instance of non-adherence to the same has been taken note of. The instance noted is not in conformity with the professional standards and values of BSNL. Appropriate action have 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."
Official Acknowledgment of Accidental Leak
A senior BSNL official, when contacted, confirmed that the protocol was intended for internal coordination but was accidentally leaked online. The official explained, "The order was meant to assign duties to the officials concerned about their roles and responsibilities as per the protocol plan assuming that each official should perform their assigned duties during the visit." This admission highlights the internal nature of the document, though its contents have now become a matter of public scrutiny.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges within public sector undertakings regarding protocol management and public perception. The swift cancellation demonstrates BSNL's responsiveness to public sentiment, but the episode has undoubtedly tarnished the company's image, raising questions about operational transparency and fiscal responsibility in government-run organizations.
