Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said the government will take "appropriate action" against BSNL Director Vivek Banzal after the official's lavish and detailed itinerary for a two-day trip sparked widespread criticism. The minister took strong objection to violation of conduct by the official and said a show-cause notice has been issued to him, with a seven-day response time.
"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. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the Director with a seven-day response period. We will take appropriate action," Scindia told reporters.
The controversy erupted after an internal office order related to Banzal's scheduled Feb. 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.
Details included arrangements for hair oil, underwear, combs, toothpaste, brushes, shaving kits and slippers. Eight bath kits were reportedly arranged, six for men and two for women, and one senior official was in-charge of overseeing post bath arrangements, as per an HT report.
The BSNL official's travel order soon went viral on social media, drawing huge backlash online with people questioning if the trip was official or were public resources were being used for personal leisure.
The trip was cancelled a day before schedule and BSNL said the incident was not in line with its professional standards and values, as per reports. "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," a part of BSNL's statement read.
(With agency inputs)
ALSO READ: Scindia Rules Out Additional AGR Relief For Telcos Beyond Vodafone Idea
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.