New Delhi

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday strongly criticised what he described as “absurd and shocking” demands linked to a proposed official visit by a senior BSNL director to Prayagraj, saying the conduct was unacceptable and a show-cause notice had been issued for violation of rules.

The minister was reacting to reports about a now-cancelled two-day visit, scheduled for February 25–26, by Vivek Banzal, Director (Consumer Fixed Access) on the board of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

According to office orders that surfaced on social media, the proposed itinerary included a highly choreographed schedule featuring a dip at the Sangam, a boat ride, and visits to Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat and Patalpuri temples. Nearly 20 activities were listed, with around 50 officials reportedly assigned to manage logistics, transport, accommodation and even personal arrangements.

The orders also mentioned arrangements for ‘Snan’ kits — including towels, undergarments, slippers, combs, mirrors, soap, shampoo and oil — six kits for men and two for women, along with bedsheets for general use at the ghat. Hotel and Circuit House arrangements were said to include dry fruits, fruit bowls, toiletries, towels and shaving kits for the director and possibly his guests.

A show-cause notice has been issued to Banzal, and the visit has been cancelled pending an official inquiry.

Speaking to reporters, Scindia said such an order was “unacceptable” and “flouts all rules and traditions”.

“This is beyond absurd and absolutely shocking. Such conduct has no place in new India,” the minister said, adding that strict action was being taken.

Banzal, 59, who joined the BSNL board as a director in October 2018 and is due to retire in September this year, could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, BSNL said in a post on X on February 21 that it has standing instructions on how official visits are to be handled.

“An instance of non-adherence to the same has been taken note of. The instance noted is not in conformity with the professional standards and values of BSNL. Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned,” the post said.

The public sector telecom operator also reiterated that employees must strictly adhere to prescribed conduct rules and extant instructions.

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According to the BSNL website, Banzal is an Indian Telecommunication Service officer of the 1987 batch, with over 34 years of experience in managing telecom networks across the country. He holds degrees in engineering, computer science and management, and has been associated with initiatives such as Bharat Fiber (BSNL’s FTTH services), IT framework modernisation and process digitisation.