BSNL director show-caused for ‘absurd’ trip demands: Scindia; we will take strictest possible action, says BSNL official | India News
New Delhi: Terming BSNL’s outstanding action for director Vivek Banjal’s now-cancelled journey to Prayagraj as “unfair and unreasonable”, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said “appropriate action” would be taken against senior executives of the state-run company. “I have made it very clear that this is inappropriate and in violation of all established norms and traditions. It is totally unacceptable in the 21st century. It is totally absurd and shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the director with a seven-day reply time,” the minister told reporters. The four-page directive, detailing bathing kits, personal toiletries, undergarments and other comforts, including the retirement of about 50 officials to attend to Banjal and a chief general manager, raised concerns about misuse of government resources. BSNL official said, we will take strictest possible action Banjal, a telecom services officer, has been issued a show cause notice and two executives posted in Prayagraj – Brijendra Singh, head GM, and Yogeshwar Verma, DGM – have been transferred. Verma, who was part of Singh’s office, issued the directive.“We will take the strictest measures possible. We do not want any distraction from BSNL’s focus on customer service and network improvement,” said an official.Banjal had planned a two-day visit to Prayagraj from Wednesday, and BSNL had deputed an official to receive him and take care of the arrangements, which included a Ganga bath. The instructions, running on four pages, asked the PSU staff to arrange eight sets of “bathing” or bathing kits for men and women including a bed sheet, towels, underwear, slippers, comb, mirror, soap, shampoo and oil.The office order, which went viral on social media, asked officials to make arrangements at a hotel and circuit house, including dry fruits, fruit bowls, towels, toiletries and shaving kits for directors and other guests. About 50 officials were deployed to attend to Banjal and a chief general manager.Following the ruckus, the telecom services officer canceled the trip, which also included temple visits and some meetings.According to the BSNL website, Banjal’s “never say no to rest” attitude and constant innovation helped grow the fixed-line business. Since 2016, he has been promoting and managing Bharat Fiber, BSNL IT Framework and other services. “His vision has led to the digitization of processes and the introduction of innovative solutions for customers,” the website said of the executive, who holds a master’s degree in computer science in addition to an MBA degree.
