The controversy over the proposed visit of BSNL Director Vivek Banjal to Prayagraj is not stopping. Now their problems have increased further. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia called it inappropriate and unacceptable. It also said that a show cause notice has been issued to the Director. In fact, in preparation for the tour, there were instructions to assign different responsibilities to about 50 officers. There were written instructions for arranging even items for personal use. Since then this letter went viral. And the matter escalated.
What did Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia say?
Scindia clearly said that violation of established rules and administrative traditions will not be tolerated. He said that the director has been asked to reply within seven days. Appropriate action will be taken after receiving the reply. The minister said that this is the 21st century and this kind of behavior is shocking. The government also said that institutional discipline and adherence to protocols are of paramount importance.
What was written in preparation for the tour?
According to office order, Vivek Banjal was to come to Prayagraj on a two-day visit on 25-26 February. In the protocol notice issued on February 19, about 50 officers and employees were assigned different tasks. The program included welcome, Sangam bath, boating and visit to Bade Hanuman Temple, Akshayavat and Patalpuri Temple. What role each officer would play at each site was recorded in writing.
Instructions from bath kits to hotel arrangements
The biggest controversy was regarding the list of bathing kits. The order mentioned the provision of towel, underwear, slippers, comb, mirror and oil bottle at the time of Sangam bath. Six kits were prescribed for men and two kits for women. Apart from this, it was written about keeping bedsheets at the ghat and arranging for dry fruits, fruits, shaving kit, toothpaste, brush, soap, shampoo and oil in the hotel and circuit house. Around 50 officers were deployed for a total of 20 tasks.
Tour canceled as soon as order went viral
As soon as this office order went viral on social media, sharp reactions emerged. After this, the Director’s visit to Prayagraj was hastily cancelled. A senior BSNL official from Prayagraj, on condition of anonymity, said it could be an attempt to tarnish the image of the department, but refused to comment on the veracity of the order. Another officer also said that the tour has been cancelled, but did not say anything on the order.
Such cases have come to light earlier also
This is not the first case when questions have been raised on the behavior of an officer. The case of officer Sanjeev Khairwar, who came into limelight for walking a dog after vacating the stadium in Delhi, was earlier in the headlines. Then he was posted outside Delhi. Now the BSNL episode has again sparked a debate on administrative decorum and protocol. The government has indicated that the matter will not be taken lightly and action will be taken as per rules.