State-run telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has found itself at the center of a controversy after the travel itinerary of one of its senior officials on a proposed trip to Prayagraj went viral on social media.
The officer in question is BSNL director Vivek Banzal, whose detailed plan for his February 25-26 tour sparked widespread online backlash. The flight was eventually canceled a day before it was scheduled.
Who is Vivek Banzal?
According to the official BSNL website, Banzal is an Indian Telecommunication Service officer of the 1987 batch. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics, a Master of Engineering degree in Computer Science, and an MBA.
He has over 34 years of experience in managing telecom networks across India.
BSNL’s website details his role: “Since 2016, he has promoted and managed Bharat Fiber (BSNL’s FTTH services), BSNL’s IT framework, and other services. His vision has led to digitization of operations and introduction of innovative solutions for customers.”
What is controversy?
Banzal’s name surfaced after a 21-point document outlining detailed arrangements for his visit to Prayagraj began circulating online.
What caught the attention of social media were the extensive preparations that were said to have been made for his stay. Nearly 50 officials, from junior technical officials and engineers to subdivision and divisional engineers, were said to be assigned duties during the two-day visit.
The itinerary included bathing arrangements at Sangam and visits to Hanuman Temple, Akshayat and Patalpuri Temple. The document mentioned detailed provisions to ensure Banzal’s “comfort management” throughout his stay.
The specific items mentioned reportedly included hair oil, underwear, combs, toothpaste, brushes, shaving kits, and slippers. Eight bathing kits – six for men and two for women – have been arranged and a senior official has been appointed to oversee the post-bath arrangements, reports news agency PTI.
At the hotel and Circuit House, officials have been directed to keep ready items like dry fruit bowl, fruit bowl, shaving kit, towels, toothpaste, brush, soap, shampoo, comb and hair oil.
The flight was cancelled, and a show-cause notice was issued
Amid mounting criticism, the flight was canceled one day before departure. BSNL later issued a statement distancing itself from the arrangements.
“Appropriate action has been taken against those concerned. Further instructions have been issued confirming strict adherence to the existing guidelines,” the company said. BSNL employees are reminded to fully comply with the Code of Conduct and instructions prescribed in this regard.”
The controversy also prompted a response from the Centre. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia described the matter as serious and confirmed the start of the action.
“I have made it very clear that this is inappropriate and violates well-established rules and traditions. It is unacceptable to me. It is shocking,” Scindia said, as quoted by news agency ANI. He added that Banzal has been issued a show-cause notice, giving him seven days to respond, and appropriate procedure will be followed.
