BSNL Director Vivek Banjal made royal demands like duty of 50 officers and new undergarments for the Prayagraj tour. After the order went viral, the tour was canceled due to controversy and the ministry ordered disciplinary action against him.
New Delhi: A director of government company BSNL is embroiled in controversies due to his ‘royal’ hobby. Director Vivek Banjal made such demands for the visit to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh that everyone is surprised to hear. He had issued orders to put 50 officers on duty for his visit on 25-26 February and to provide even new underwear and vests after taking a dip in the Sangam. This order was issued on the official letterhead of BSNL. As soon as its copy went viral, there was an uproar. The Union Telecom Ministry took this seriously and ordered disciplinary action against Banjal. Seeing the growing controversy, Banjal has canceled his tour.
What is the whole controversy?
Vivek Banjal was to go to Prayagraj on 25-26 February. His plan included bathing in Sangam, boat ride, visiting Bade Hanuman Temple, Akshayavat and Patalpuri Temple. To help him, he had asked to deploy a large army of 50 officers, who were assigned about 20 different tasks.
It was written in the order, ‘A holy bath should be arranged for me. After this, things like towel, undergarments (vest-pants), slippers, comb should be given. Not only this, he had also instructed to make arrangements for things like dry fruits, fruit basket, shampoo and oil in the hotel. As soon as this official order went viral, a controversy arose, after which Banjal canceled his tour.
Minister ordered action
When the matter came to light, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia called it ‘inappropriate, unacceptable and shocking incident’. He immediately ordered action against Banjal. Banjal has been issued a show cause notice and asked to reply within 7 days.
BSNL’s clarification
BSNL has also given clarification on this by tweeting. The company said, ‘This behavior of Banjal is against the professional standards and values of the organization. Appropriate action has been taken against the person concerned.