BSNL Director Faces Action Over Lavish Prayagraj Visit Demands

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Director (Consumer Fixed Access - CFA) Vivek Banzal found himself at the center of a major controversy after an internal office order detailing elaborate arrangements for his proposed two-day visit to Prayagraj went viral across social media. The incident drew sharp criticism from the public and led to swift condemnation and action from the Union government. The detailed protocol, outlined in a 21-point document, specified extensive preparations for Banzal's trip, which was scheduled for February 25-26. More than 50 BSNL officials, ranging from junior technical officers to divisional engineers, were assigned various tasks to ensure the Director's 'comfort management' during his stay. The itinerary, described by many as a 'royal protocol,' included arrangements for a boat ride, holy dips at the Sangam, and visits to prominent religious sites like Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat, and Patalpuri Temple. What particularly ignited outrage were the explicit demands for personal care items. The leaked order specified the arrangement of 'snan kits' (bathing kits) that were to include towels, undergarments, slippers, combs, mirrors, soap, shampoo, and hair oil. It even specified 'six male kits and two female kits,' and required a bedsheet for general use at the ghat. Furthermore, arrangements at the hotel and Circuit House were to include dry fruit bowls, fruit bowls, shaving kits, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Designated personnel were also tasked with overseeing post-bath arrangements, photography, and managing personal belongings. The leaked document quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism over the alleged misuse of public sector staff and resources for what appeared to be a largely personal and religious itinerary. Critics highlighted the perceived VIP culture prevalent in government undertakings and questioned the appropriateness of such lavish expenditures, especially for a public sector enterprise like BSNL, which has faced significant financial challenges. Reacting strongly to the controversy, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia publicly condemned the arrangements, calling them 'improper,' 'shocking,' and 'unacceptable.' Scindia emphasized that such conduct was a 'violation of established rules and traditions' and stated that an order like this was 'unacceptable in new India.' He confirmed that a show-cause notice had been issued to Director Vivek Banzal, demanding an explanation within seven days, and assured that appropriate action would follow after examining the response. Amid mounting criticism and the firm stance taken by the Minister, Banzal's proposed visit was cancelled just a day before it was scheduled to commence. BSNL India, in response to the backlash, issued a statement acknowledging that an instance of non-adherence to standing instructions had been noted. The company affirmed that the incident was not in conformity with BSNL's professional standards and values, and that appropriate action had been taken against the concerned individual, along with reiterating strict adherence to existing guidelines. Vivek Banzal is an Indian Telecommunication Service Officer of the 1987 batch with over 35 years of experience, holding a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics, a Master of Engineering in Computer Science, and an MBA. He has been instrumental in promoting Bharat Fibre services and digitizing processes within BSNL. However, this incident has cast a shadow on his reputation and reignited the debate about accountability, ethical conduct, and the necessity of curbing VIP culture within India's public administration. The swift action by the government signals a strong message against such practices, reinforcing the importance of responsible use of public resources and upholding institutional credibility.

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