Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has taken a firm stand against what he described as improper protocol arrangements linked to a planned visit by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Director Vivek Banzal to Prayagraj, issuing a show-cause notice to the senior official and demanding a written explanation within seven days. The episode has unfolded as a flashpoint in debate over administrative norms and the use of public sector resources for official travel. Scindia, addressing media on Wednesday, characterised the episode as a violation of established rules and traditions, saying the conduct was “improper, shocking and unacceptable”, and that such use of officer time and logistics undermines institutional discipline. The minister’s remarks followed widespread attention on social media and in political circles after an internal document outlining extensive preparations for Banzal’s visit was circulated online.
The controversy centres on an internal order issued by the BSNL office in Prayagraj on 19 February that detailed logistical and hospitality arrangements for a two-day programme scheduled for 25–26 February. More than 50 officers were assigned to specific tasks ranging from reception at arrival points to managing transport, accommodation and meetings. The itinerary reportedly included visits to the Triveni Sangam, local religious sites such as Bade Hanuman Ji temple and Akshayavat, and a detailed schedule for meetings and administrative engagements.
A section of the document that drew particular attention outlined preparations for a ritual bathing kit, with instructions to assemble towels, undergarments, slippers, grooming items like combs and mirrors, and bottles of hair oil. These provisions, alongside detailed lists of responsibilities for officers, were widely criticised online as excessive and symptomatic of entrenched “VIP culture” in bureaucratic circles, where senior officials are afforded privileges that blur the line between official work and personal comfort.
The internal order specifying roles and responsibilities was intended as a coordination tool within BSNL’s organisational structure. Officials familiar with such planning note that draft schedules and role assignments are common for visits by senior executives. However, the scale and specificity of the Prayagraj document, especially in relation to personal comfort items, amplified public scrutiny and political backlash, with critics arguing that the exercise was incompatible with standards expected of public sector undertakings.
Following the controversy, BSNL’s leadership moved swiftly to cancel the visit. The organisation stated that the protocol described in the document was not to be treated as valid and that it had instructed staff to adhere strictly to standing instructions governing official travel. A BSNL spokesperson emphasised that appropriate disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible for the irregularities, and reiterated that conduct rules must be followed in all official matters.
The public reaction was immediate on social media platforms, where the protocol document was widely shared and debated. Many commentators highlighted the contrast between the detailed hospitality plan and ongoing challenges faced by BSNL, which has been undergoing efforts to stabilise operations and improve financial performance amid intense competition in the telecommunications sector. These efforts include government-backed revival packages and network modernisation programmes to enhance connectivity and service quality.
Opposition voices and analysts also seized on the incident to question accountability mechanisms within state-run organisations. Some argued that the affair highlighted broader issues of entitlement and governance in public institutions, where senior executives might expect extensive support for routine travel. Others defended the drafting of detailed internal documents as part of administrative planning, noting that final decisions rest with supervising authorities and that draft orders are not always indicative of planned conduct.
The minister’s issuance of a show-cause notice places Banzal in a position where he must justify the circumstances that led to the document’s issuance and the planning of the visit. Officials in the communications ministry have indicated that the response will be reviewed to determine appropriate steps, underscoring the emphasis on upholding protocol and ethical standards in official conduct.