Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 13:27 IST

Expressing regret over the incident, Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the incident is 'unacceptable' and explanations have been sought.

A show-cause notice has been issued against a senior Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Director, Vivek Banzal, following a controversy over elaborate protocol arrangements prepared for his proposed visit to Prayagraj.

Expressing regret over the incident, Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the incident is ‘unacceptable’, and explanations have been sought. He added that appropriate action will be taken against him after reviewing the response.

“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 was quoted by news agency ANI.

A massive controversy erupted after an internal office order detailing extensive preparations for BSNL director Vivek Banzal’s planned Prayagraj visit surfaced online, triggering criticism over alleged misuse of public sector staff.

Prayagraj Trip Cancelled

Banzal’s visit to Prayagraj was called off after the itinerary, which seemed like a royal one, came in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons – involving nearly 50 officials and every little detail pencilled in, including arranging for hair oil, underwear and combs.

According to an office order, which went viral on social media, the proposed two-day visit of Vivek Banzal, director (CFA) of the BSNL Board, was scheduled from February 25-26.

According to news agency PTI, officials assigned to the tasks for Banzal’s visit have confirmed that his trip was cancelled. As per the office order, around 20 tasks were assigned to nearly 50 officials.

What Was The Order?

The office order that mentioned the details regarding the BSNL director’s mentioned very little detail about his visit.

On his arrival in Prayagraj, bathing in Sangam, boat ride, and visits to Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat and Patalpuri temples were planned. The ‘snan‘ kits consisted of towel, undergarment, slippers (mentioned as sleeper in the office order), comb, mirror and an oil bottle.

The office order also mentioned that six male kits (consisting of towel, underwear, a mirror, a comb, soap, shampoo, and oil) and two female kits should be arranged. It was also instructed that at least one bedsheet should be arranged for general use at the ghat.

At the hotel and Circuit House, dry fruit bowl, fruit bowl, saving kit (shaving kit), towel, toothpaste, brush, soap, shampoo, comb and oil were to be arranged, the order said.

News india 'Unacceptable': Govt Issues Show-Cause Notice To BSNL Director Over Prayagraj Visit VIP Protocol Row

Read More