Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Denounces BSNL Director's Extravagant Prayagraj Itinerary
Union Minister of Communication Jyotiraditya Scindia has issued a strong condemnation of a planned official visit by Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA) of the BSNL Board, to Prayagraj. The visit, which was scheduled for February 25-26, came under intense scrutiny after its highly detailed itinerary went viral on social media, revealing extensive arrangements involving nearly 50 officials.
Scindia Labels Visit a "Violation of Established Rules"
In a firm statement, Scindia criticized Banzal's instructions as improper and a clear breach of established rules and traditions. He expressed shock at the situation, emphasizing that such conduct is unacceptable. The minister confirmed that a show-cause notice has been issued to the director, granting a seven-day response period, with appropriate action to follow based on the reply.
"I have made it very clear that this is improper and a violation of established rules and traditions. It is unacceptable to me. It is shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the Director with a seven-day response period. We will take appropriate action," Scindia stated, as reported by ANI.
Detailed Itinerary Sparks Public Outrage
The proposed two-day visit was abruptly canceled after the itinerary gained widespread attention online. The office order outlined a meticulously planned schedule, assigning around 20 tasks to officials to manage every aspect of the trip. Key arrangements included:
- Transport and accommodation logistics
- Personal arrangements for Banzal, including bathing at the Sangam and a boat ride
- Visits to religious sites such as Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat, and Patalpuri temples
- Provision of 'Snan' kits containing towels, undergarments, slippers, combs, mirrors, soap, shampoo, and oil—six male kits and two female kits in total
- One bed sheet for general use at the ghat
- Hotel and Circuit House amenities including dry fruits, fruit bowls, towels, toiletries, and shaving kits
BSNL Responds with Internal Action and Reiteration of Rules
Following the controversy, BSNL India addressed the issue in a post on X, acknowledging the instance of non-adherence to standing instructions regarding official visits. The organization stated that the noted incident does not align with BSNL's professional standards and values, and appropriate action has been taken against the concerned individual. Further instructions have been issued to ensure strict adherence to extant rules, reminding employees to follow prescribed conduct guidelines.
A senior BSNL officer in Prayagraj, speaking anonymously to PTI, suggested the incident might be an attempt to tarnish the organization's image but declined to elaborate further.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in public sector undertakings, with Scindia's intervention underscoring the government's commitment to enforcing ethical standards in official conduct.
