The Centre has initiated disciplinary action against a senior Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) official following a controversy over elaborate protocol arrangements prepared for his proposed visit to Prayagraj, with top government sources calling the episode “completely bizarre and unacceptable”.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the arrangements linked to BSNL director Vivek Banzal’s planned visit amounted to a violation of established rules and traditions, describing the episode as “improper”, “shocking” and unacceptable.
Reacting to the row triggered by an internal office order outlining the arrangements, Scindia said, “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.” He added that a show-cause notice has already been issued to the director with a seven-day response period and that appropriate action would follow after examining the reply.
The controversy stems from an office order outlining preparations for Banzal’s proposed Prayagraj visit that surfaced online, triggering criticism over the alleged misuse of public sector staff and resources for what appeared to be a largely personal religious itinerary.
Government sources said the conduct reflected in the protocol plan was viewed as “highly condemnable”, and the matter "will not be let off easily." Further action, they said, would be decided after examining Banzal’s response.
“The government considers the episode completely bizarre and unacceptable. Accountability will be fixed based on the explanation submitted,” sources said, stressing that such instances damage institutional credibility.
According to the protocol document, more than 50 BSNL officers and staff members were assigned specific responsibilities to ensure the visit proceeded smoothly. Separate teams were tasked with managing movement, hospitality arrangements, bathing logistics and post-visit coordination.
Officials were instructed to arrange multiple ‘snan’ kits containing towels, undergarments and personal care items, besides refreshments and escort services throughout the itinerary, including during the proposed visit to the Triveni Sangam and nearby temples in Prayagraj.
The plan also required vehicles used for local movement to be stocked with water bottles, snacks and other amenities, while designated personnel were assigned duties ranging from photography to managing personal belongings after bathing rituals.
Communication issued on February 19 at the deputy general manager level outlined a detailed minute-to-minute schedule covering reception at the railway station, temple visits, holy dips, meals, transport and daily personal logistics.
The document began circulating widely on social media soon after, drawing sharp criticism over what several users described as a “royal protocol”, reigniting debate around VIP culture and use of public resources within government-run entities.
Amid mounting criticism and escalation of the issue by higher authorities, the proposed visit was cancelled within a day of the documents going viral.
BSNL Public Relations Officer Ashish Gupta confirmed that the director’s Prayagraj programme had been withdrawn and said the issued protocol should now be treated as invalid. He, however, declined to comment on the controversy surrounding the arrangements.
Government sources said the episode is now being examined in the context of administrative accountability, particularly at a time when BSNL remains under financial stress.
Source: India Today