The Central Government has initiated disciplinary action against a senior officer of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) after controversy arose over the detailed protocol plan made for the proposed visit to Prayagraj. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has termed this entire episode as shocking, inappropriate and unacceptable.
The matter is related to the proposed visit of BSNL Director Vivek Banzal to Prayagraj, for which an internal office order issued had gone viral on social media. The document mentioned deployment of more than 50 officers and staff for the visit, special hospitality arrangements and detailed preparations for religious programmes. There were allegations of misuse of public resources regarding this and widespread criticism started.
Regarding BSNL director Vivek Banjal, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “I have made it clear that this is wrong and in violation of already laid down rules and traditions. This is not acceptable to me. This is shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the director with seven days to reply. We will take appropriate action.”
Government officials described the protocol as highly condemnable and said the matter “will not be let go easily.” According to sources, “The government considers this incident completely strange and unacceptable. Such incidents damage the institutional reputation, accountability will be fixed.”
According to the disputed document, responsibilities were assigned to different teams to make the tour smooth. In which different tasks were distributed among 50 people. The minute-to-minute program was decided from reception at the railway station to temple darshan, bath at Triveni Sangam, food, local transport and personal arrangements.
The ‘bath’ kit contained instructions for towels, undergarments and personal items. Water bottles, snacks and other facilities were asked to be provided in the vehicles. There were even designated staff to handle photography and personal belongings after bathing.
As soon as this communication issued on February 19 went viral on social media, it was criticized as royal protocol and a debate broke out on VIP culture. The proposed yatra was canceled within a day after the growing controversy and cognizance was taken at the highest level.
BSNL Public Relations Officer Ashish Gupta confirmed that Director Banzel’s Prayagraj program has been withdrawn and the issued protocol is now considered invalid. However, he refused to comment on the controversy. Government sources say that at a time when BSNL is facing financial pressure, such incidents raise questions of administrative accountability. The investigation into the matter is ongoing and further action will be taken after receiving the response.
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