In a strong rebuke, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has termed the VIP pampering extended to a BSNL director during a personal trip to Uttar Pradesh as ‘deeply shocking’ and a breach of protocol. A show-cause notice has been served, demanding explanations within seven days.
The controversy ignited when internal memos leaked online exposed the scale of preparations for Director Vivek Bansal’s Prayagraj itinerary. An official directive tasked 50 employees with 21 duties over 48 hours, including organizing boat outings, temple darshans, and sacred dips at Triveni Sangam.
Bathing kits brimmed with essentials like towels, oils, combs, and underwear. Additional instructions covered suit fittings, professional photography, vehicle provisioning with water, chocolates, chips, and drinks, ensuring a seamless luxury experience.
Social media erupted in fury over the misuse of public resources for a private jaunt, leading to its abrupt cancellation. Scindia, fielding press questions, didn’t mince words: ‘This is unacceptable, a violation of rules and conventions. It’s astonishing and will not be tolerated.’
He underscored that such ‘royal treatment’ is unimaginable for officials today, vowing strict measures against the errant parties. BSNL, grappling with over Rs 1,300 crore losses last quarter, remains silent on the matter.
This high-profile dressing down highlights the minister’s commitment to curbing extravagance in government operations, potentially setting a precedent for accountability in public enterprises.