Communications minister Scindia slams BSNL director’s lavish Prayagraj trip; issues show-cause notice | India News
New Delhi: Union Communications Minister Dr Jyotiraditya Scindia BSNL Board Director (CFA) in Prayagraj strongly criticized the planned visit by Vivek Banjal, which scrutinized for a highly detailed trip involving around 50 officials and extensive arrangements.Scindia slammed Banjal’s directive as a “violation of established norms” and said a show-cause notice was issued in response to the case.“I have made it very clear that this is inappropriate and a violation of established norms and traditions. This is unacceptable to me. It is shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the director with a response time of seven days. We will take appropriate action,” Scindia said, as quoted by ANI.The proposed two-day tour, scheduled for February 25-26, was canceled after the itinerary went viral on social media. Around 20 task officials were assigned to manage every aspect of the trip, including transport, accommodation and personal arrangements for Banjal.Office orders detail a strictly planned schedule including bathing at Sangam, a boat ride and visits to the large Hanuman temple, Akshayavat and Patalpuri temples. The ‘bathing’ kits included towels, underwear, slippers, comb, mirror, soap, shampoo and oil – a total of six male kits and two female kits. A bed sheet was also provided for general use at the ghat. Hotel and circuit house amenities include dry fruits, fruit bowls, towels, toiletries and shaving kits.A senior BSNL officer in Prayagraj, on condition of anonymity, told PTI that the incident appeared to be “an attempt to tarnish (our) image” and declined to comment further.BSNL India, in a post on Saturday X, said, “BSNL has fixed instructions on the manner in which official visits will be conducted. An instance of non-compliance has been noted. The said instance is not in line with BSNL’s professional standards and values. Appropriate action has been taken. Re-directions have been issued against those concerned. In existing instructions. BSNL employees are reminded to strictly adhere to the rules of conduct and instructions laid down in this regard.”
