BSNL – Minister Seeks Action Over Protocol Controversy
BSNL – Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has taken strong exception to reports that a large number of officials were assigned to handle arrangements for a senior Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited executive during a proposed visit to Prayagraj, describing the matter as a serious breach of administrative norms.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Scindia confirmed that a show-cause notice has been served to Vivek Banzal, Director (Consumer Fixed Access) on the BSNL Board. The notice seeks an explanation within seven days. The minister stated that the reported arrangements were not in keeping with established rules and administrative traditions, and stressed that such conduct cannot be justified in a modern public service framework.
Government Flags Violation of Established Protocol
Scindia said the government views the issue with concern, noting that public institutions are expected to uphold discipline and transparency at all times. He emphasised that adherence to protocol is central to maintaining credibility in governance. Any deviation, he added, risks weakening institutional integrity and public trust.
The minister made it clear that the matter would be examined through due process and that appropriate steps would follow after reviewing the response to the notice.
Office Order Sparks Online Backlash
The controversy emerged after an internal office order related to Banzal’s proposed two-day visit to Prayagraj, scheduled for February 25 and 26, circulated widely on social media. According to reports, the DGM office in Prayagraj issued a protocol instruction on February 19 detailing nearly 20 tasks to be handled by close to 50 officials and staff members.
The document outlined extensive preparations, including arrangements for visits to local religious sites and logistical support at various locations. The scale of deployment drew criticism online, with many questioning the necessity of such elaborate measures for an official tour.
Detailed Arrangements Raise Questions
Among the arrangements mentioned were preparations for a ceremonial visit to the Sangam and other temples in the city. The order reportedly instructed staff to organise “snan kits” containing towels, undergarments, slippers, combs, mirrors and oil bottles. Separate kits for male and female members were also specified.
Additional instructions included keeping bedsheets ready at the ghat and ensuring hospitality arrangements at the hotel and Circuit House. Items listed ranged from dry fruits and fruit bowls to personal care products such as shaving kits, toothbrushes, soap and shampoo.
The comprehensive nature of these directives prompted public debate over the appropriate use of official resources.
Visit Cancelled Amid Controversy
Following the public attention, some officials assigned to the tasks confirmed that the visit had been called off. The cancellation came as scrutiny intensified over whether the arrangements aligned with public sector conduct standards.
A senior BSNL officer based in Prayagraj, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the episode may have been amplified in a manner that adversely affected the organisation’s image. The officer declined to elaborate further.
BSNL Reiterates Conduct Guidelines
In a statement posted on X on February 21, BSNL India said that established instructions govern how official visits are to be managed. The organisation acknowledged that an instance of non-compliance had been identified and stated that it did not conform to its professional standards and values.
The company added that necessary action had been initiated and employees were reminded to strictly follow prescribed conduct rules in future assignments.
According to information available on the BSNL website, Vivek Banzal is a 1987-batch Indian Telecommunication Service officer with more than three decades of experience. Over the years, he has handled key responsibilities related to telecom network management. Since 2016, he has been associated with overseeing Bharat Fiber services and strengthening the company’s information technology framework, contributing to digital process upgrades and customer-focused solutions.
The developments have drawn attention to governance practices within public sector undertakings, with the communications ministry signalling that accountability and procedural discipline remain non-negotiable.