New Delhi: Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has issued a show-cause notice to BSNL Director (CFA) Vivek Banzal after a detailed office order outlining elaborate arrangements for his proposed visit to Prayagraj triggered widespread criticism.

Scindia said a seven-day response period has been given to the senior official and described the matter as “improper” and a violation of established rules and traditions. “It is unacceptable to me. It is shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the Director with a seven-day response period. We will take appropriate action,” the minister said.

Controversy behind BSNL director's Prayagraj trip?

The controversy erupted after an internal office order related to Banzal’s scheduled February 25–26 visit to Prayagraj surfaced on social media.

The document detailed nearly 20 separate arrangements assigned to around 50 officials. The itinerary included arrival arrangements, a dip at the Sangam, a boat ride, and visits to Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat and Patalpuri temples.

What drew sharp attention was the level of personal detail mentioned in the order. Instructions included arranging “snan kits” containing towels, undergarments, slippers, combs, mirrors and oil bottles. The document also specified six male kits and two female kits with toiletries such as soap, shampoo and other essentials.

Additional directions included arranging a bedsheet for use at the ghat and preparing dry fruit bowls, fruit baskets, shaving kits, towels and other personal items at the hotel and Circuit House.

Trip cancelled amid backlash

Officials assigned to manage the visit later confirmed that the trip had been cancelled following the public outcry.

A senior BSNL officer based in Prayagraj, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the episode appeared to be an attempt to tarnish the organisation’s image but declined further comment.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited responds

In a statement posted on X on February 21, BSNL said standing instructions are already in place regarding how official visits should be handled.

The company acknowledged that there had been “non-adherence” to established norms and clarified that the arrangements mentioned were not in line with BSNL’s professional standards and values. It added that appropriate action had been initiated and employees had been reminded to strictly follow conduct rules and official guidelines.

About Vivek Banzal

According to the BSNL website, Vivek Banzal is a 1987-batch Indian Telecommunication Service officer with over 34 years of experience in managing telecom networks across India. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics, a Master’s degree in Computer Science, and an MBA.

Since 2016, he has been associated with promoting and managing Bharat Fiber (BSNL’s FTTH services) and overseeing the company’s IT framework and digitisation initiatives.