BSNL director show-caused for 'absurd' trip demands: Jyotiraditya Scindia

NEW DELHI: Describing BSNL's lavish arrangements for director Vivek Banzal's now called-off trip to Prayagraj "improper and absurd", communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Wednesday said that "appropriate action" will be taken against the senior executive of the state-run company.

"I have made it very clear that this is improper and a violation of all the established rules and traditions. It is completely unacceptable in 21st century. It is completely absurd and shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the director with a seven-day response period," the minister told reporters.

The lavish, four-page instructions detailing snan kits, personal toiletries, undergarments and other comforts, including a retinue of nearly 50 officials to attend to to Banzal and a chief general manager, had sparked concern over misuse of official resources.

We will take strictest possible action, says BSNL official
Showcause notices have been issued to Banzal, a telecom service officer, and two executives - Brijendra Singh, principal GM, and Jogeshwar Verma, DGM, - who were posted in Prayagraj have been transferred. Verma, who was part of Singh's office, had issued the instructions.

"We will take strictest possible action. We don't want any distraction from BSNL's focus on improving customer service and network improvement," said an official.

Banzal had planned a two-day trip to Prayagraj, starting Wednesday, and BSNL had deputed a posse of executives to receive him and take care of arrangements, which included a bath in Ganga. The instructions, running into four pages, asked the PSU staff to arrange for eight sets of "snan" or bath kits for men and women, including towels, undergarments, slippers, combs, mirrors, soap, shampoo, and oil, along with a bed sheet.

The office order, which went viral on social media, also asked officials to make arrangements at a hotel and circuit house, which included dry fruits, fruit bowls, towels, toiletries, and shaving kits for the director, and other guests. Nearly 50 officials were to be deployed to attend to Banzal and a chief general manager.

Following uproar, the telecom service officer called off the trip, which also included visits to temples and some meetings.

According to the BSNL website, Banzal's "never say rest" attitude and constant innovation have helped drive growth in 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 about the executive who holds a master's degree in computer science apart from an MBA degree.

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