‘Shocking, Improper’: Scindia Acts on BSNL Director’s Lavish Travel Plan
The Centre on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to a senior Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) official after his proposed travel itinerary to Prayagraj triggered controversy over alleged misuse of public resources.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia termed the arrangements “shocking” and “improper”, stating that a seven-day response window has been given to the officer concerned.
“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,” Scindia said, as quoted by ANI, adding that appropriate action would follow.
50 officials, detailed ‘comfort management’ plan
The controversy centres around Vivek Banzal, Director (Consumer Fixed Access – CFA) at BSNL and a 1987-batch telecom services officer with over 35 years of experience. His two-day trip to Prayagraj, scheduled for February 25–26, was cancelled a day before departure after the itinerary went viral on social media.
A 21-point document detailing elaborate arrangements for the visit sparked widespread backlash.
According to the document, nearly 50 officials — including junior technical officers, engineers, sub-divisional engineers and divisional engineers — were reportedly assigned for the visit.
The itinerary included arrangements for a bath at the Sangam, visits to the Hanuman Temple, Akshayavat and Patalpuri Temple, along with detailed “comfort management” provisions during his stay.
The document reportedly mentioned items such as hair oil, underwear, combs, toothpaste, brushes, shaving kits and slippers. Eight bath kits — six for men and two for women — were arranged, and a senior official was designated to oversee post-bath arrangements.
The detailed nature of the arrangements led to criticism online, with many questioning whether public resources were being deployed for personal leisure rather than official work.
BSNL response
Following the backlash, BSNL issued a statement distancing itself from the arrangements.
The company said the incident was not in line with its professional standards and values.
“Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned. Further instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant guidelines. BSNL employees are reminded to comply fully with prescribed conduct rules and instructions in this regard,” the statement said.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen accountability and professional standards within public sector enterprises.
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Love Vivek Banzal / Bansal….. he is a true Hindu devotee & role modle