Amid a row over the protocol assigned to BSNL Director Vivek Banzal for his visit to Prayagraj, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has ordered a strict probe into the matter. He stated that a show cause notice has been issued to him, with a response time of seven days. Banzal, director (CFA) of the BSNL Board, was scheduled to visit Prayagraj on February 25; however, it got cancelled after a list of his demands went on social media, receiving heavy backlash. Scindia has asserted that his demands were "improper, unacceptable, and shocking", adding that strict action will be taken.
While addressing the controversy, Scindia stated that the demands were a violation of the rules, further assuring that appropriate action will be taken in this regard. "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," the union minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The row erupted after the list of demands revealed that around 20 tasks were assigned to nearly 50 officials during his two-day visit to Prayagraj. The top official was scheduled to bathe at Sangam, take a boat ride, and visit Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat, and Patalpuri temples, all with special arrangements.
BSNL India, while reacting to the issue, asserted that the demands were a violation of the values of the public firm, adding that strict action has been taken against the accused. "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," BSNL posted on X (formerly Twitter) on February 21.
"Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned party. Further, instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant instructions. BSNL employees are reminded to strictly adhere to prescribed conduct rules and instructions in this regard," it added.