‘Hair oil to undergarments’: Minister Scindia calls BSNL director Vivek Banzal's visit requirements ‘unacceptable’, issues notice

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday termed as “improper” and “a violation of established rules and traditions” the arrangements made for a proposed visit of BSNL Director Vivek Banzal to Prayagraj, and said a show-cause notice has been issued.

“I have made it very clear that this is improper and a violation of established rules and traditions. It is unacceptable to me. It is shocking. A show-cause notice has already been issued to the Director with a seven-day response period. We will take appropriate action,” Scindia said.

The remarks come after an office order detailing elaborate arrangements for Banzal’s two-day visit to Prayagraj went viral on social media. The visit, scheduled for February 25-26, was later cancelled.


The order assigned nearly 50 officials to handle around 20 tasks linked to the visit. It included plans for Banzal’s arrival, a visit to the Sangam for a ritual bath, a boat ride, and trips to Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat and Patalpuri temples.

The document also listed items to be arranged, including bathing kits with towel, undergarments, slippers, comb, mirror and oil bottle. It mentioned six male kits and two female kits. Officials were also instructed to arrange a bedsheet at the ghat.

At the hotel and Circuit House, dry fruits, fruits, shaving kit, toiletries and other personal-use items were to be kept ready, according to the order.

Some officials assigned duties for the visit confirmed on Tuesday that the trip had been called off.

In a post on X dated February 21, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited said it has standing instructions on how official visits are to be handled and that the instance was not in line with professional standards and values. The company said appropriate action had been taken and reiterated strict adherence to conduct rules.

A senior BSNL officer in Prayagraj told PTI that the episode appeared to be an attempt to tarnish the organisation’s image but declined further comment.

Vivek Banzal, Director (Consumer Fixed Access) on the BSNL Board, is a 1987-batch Indian Telecommunication Service officer with over three decades of experience in the telecom sector. According to the BSNL website, he has led initiatives related to Bharat Fiber, IT systems and digital processes within the company.