Centre Flags ‘Improper’ Conduct as BSNL Director’s Prayagraj Travel Plan Triggers Action

Prayagraj | 25 Feb 2026 The Centre has issued a show-cause notice to a senior BSNL official after his proposed two-day visit to Prayagraj sparked widespread controversy online. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia strongly objected to the nature of the arrangements made for the trip and described them as unacceptable. The notice has given the officer seven days to respond, and the government has indicated that further action may follow. Reacting sharply, Scindia said, “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.” His remarks came after details of the itinerary of Vivek Banzal, Director (Consumer Fixed Access) at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, surfaced on social media and drew criticism for their extravagance. The itinerary for the February 25–26 visit to Prayagraj reportedly included deployment of nearly 50 officials, ranging from junior engineers to senior officers, solely for the director’s visit. The plan also listed detailed arrangements for a bath at the Sangam and visits to the Hanuman Temple, Akshayavat and Patalpuri Temple, with a focus on ensuring his “comfort management” during the stay. What further intensified the backlash were reports of arrangements for personal items such as hair oil, combs, toothpaste, shaving kits, slippers and even underwear. As per the document, eight bath kits were prepared, and a senior officer was tasked with supervising post-bath arrangements. Following public outrage, the trip was cancelled a day before it was scheduled. BSNL later issued a statement distancing itself from the incident, saying the matter was “not in line with its professional standards and values.” The organisation added, “Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned. Further instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant guidelines,” while reminding employees to fully comply with conduct rules and official instructions. Centre Flags ‘Improper’ Conduct as BSNL Director’s Prayagraj Travel Plan Triggers Action The Centre has issued a show-cause notice to a senior BSNL official after his proposed two-day visit to Prayagraj sparked widespread controversy online. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia strongly objected to the nature of the arrangements made for the trip and described them as unacceptable. The notice has given the officer seven days to respond, and the government has indicated that further action may follow. Reacting sharply, Scindia said, “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.” His remarks came after details of the itinerary of Vivek Banzal, Director (Consumer Fixed Access) at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, surfaced on social media and drew criticism for their extravagance. The itinerary for the February 25–26 visit to Prayagraj reportedly included deployment of nearly 50 officials, ranging from junior engineers to senior officers, solely for the director’s visit. The plan also listed detailed arrangements for a bath at the Sangam and visits to the Hanuman Temple, Akshayavat and Patalpuri Temple, with a focus on ensuring his “comfort management” during the stay. What further intensified the backlash were reports of arrangements for personal items such as hair oil, combs, toothpaste, shaving kits, slippers and even underwear. As per the document, eight bath kits were prepared, and a senior officer was tasked with supervising post-bath arrangements. Following public outrage, the trip was cancelled a day before it was scheduled. BSNL later issued a statement distancing itself from the incident, saying the matter was “not in line with its professional standards and values.” The organisation added, “Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned. Further instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant guidelines,” while reminding employees to fully comply with conduct rules and official instructions.