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Minister Slams ‘Unacceptable’ Hospitality Demands, Visit Cancelled After Public Outrage
Office Order Listed Personal Toiletries, Special Kits, and Detailed Hospitality Plans
The controversy erupted after an internal office order detailing arrangements for Banzal’s scheduled two-day visit on February 25–26 surfaced online.
The document revealed that nearly 50 officials were assigned about 20 specific tasks, including arrangements for bathing kits, personal toiletries, and hospitality items.
According to the order, the special ‘snan kits’ were to include towels, undergarments, slippers, a comb, a mirror, soap, shampoo, and oil. Additional instructions included arranging six male kits and two female kits containing similar personal items.
Hospitality arrangements at the hotel and Circuit House also included fruit bowls, dry fruits, shaving kits, towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, combs, and oil.
The itinerary reportedly included visits to major religious sites in Prayagraj, including the Sangam, Bade Hanuman Temple, Akshayavat, and Patalpuri temples, as well as a ceremonial dip and a boat ride.
The detailed nature of the arrangements sparked criticism over perceived entitlement and alleged misuse of official machinery and taxpayer-funded resources.
BSNL Calls Incident a Violation of Professional Standards, Orders Action
Responding to the controversy, BSNL said the arrangements violated established protocols governing official visits.
“BSNL has standing instructions regarding the handling of official visits. The instance noted is not in conformity with professional standards and values. Appropriate action has been taken,” the organisation said in an official statement.
BSNL also reiterated instructions to its employees to strictly follow conduct rules and avoid any deviation from established guidelines.
Vivek Banzal, an Indian Telecommunication Service officer of the 1987 batch, has over 34 years of experience in telecom network management and has played a key role in expanding Bharat Fibre and digitisation initiatives.
The episode has reignited debate over bureaucratic accountability and official conduct, with the Communications Ministry signalling strict enforcement of rules to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
