The Union government on Wednesday moved swiftly against a senior BSNL official after details of his extravagant travel arrangements for a two-day trip to Prayagraj sparked widespread outrage online. Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that a show-cause notice has been served to BSNL Director Vivek Banzal, giving him seven days to respond.
“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,” Scindia said, as quoted by news agency ANI, adding that appropriate action would follow.
50 Officials Deployed, 8 Bath Kits Arranged for Two-Day Stay
Banzal, reportedly an 1987-batch telecommunication service officer with over 35 years of experience, serves as Director (Consumer Fixed Access – CFA) at BSNL. His now-cancelled travel plan for February 25–26 went viral on social media for all the wrong reasons, after a 21-point itinerary document began circulating online.
The document revealed that nearly 50 officials including junior technical officers, engineers, sub-divisional and divisional engineers were assigned to attend to Banzal during his visit. The itinerary covered an elaborate range of arrangements to ensure his “comfort management,” from a bath at the Sangam and visits to the Hanuman Temple, Akshayavat, and Patalpuri Temple, to personal toiletries such as hair oil, underwear, combs, toothpaste, brushes, shaving kits, and slippers. Eight bath kits were reportedly arranged six for men and two for women with a senior official designated specifically to oversee post-bath arrangements, according to Hindustan Times.
Viral Backlash Forces Trip Cancellation; BSNL Takes Action
The itinerary drew immediate and intense criticism online, with users questioning whether public resources were being mobilised for what appeared to be a personal leisure trip. The trip was cancelled a day before it was scheduled to begin.
BSNL also responded to the controversy, distancing itself from the episode. “Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned. Further instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant guidelines. BSNL employees are reminded to comply fully with prescribed conduct rules and instructions in this regard,” the telecom company said in a statement.
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