50 staff members deployed over two days to carry out 21 tasks. That was the game plan laid out by a deputy general manager of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited for a top official’s visit to the holy city of Prayagraj. According to an office order written by the deputy GM, these 50 staff members were to carry out tasks ranging from arranging boat rides and temple visits to preparing and packaging ‘snan’ kits with items such as towels, undergarments, oil, and comb. Other tasks included arranging suits, clicking photographs, and ensuring that vehicles meant for local transport were outfitted with water bottles, chocolates, chips and other refreshments.
BSNL, which posted a loss of over Rs 1,300 crore in the last quarter, has not commented on what led to the drafting of such an extensive visit plan, but the visit of Vivek Banzal, a director with the PSU, was cancelled soon after the office order detailing the extensive arrangements went viral on social media. The document (see below) triggered immense criticism, with people online criticising the lavish nature of the preparations and deployment of public sector resources for a seemingly personal visit.
MINUTE-TO-MINUTE PROTOCOL SPARKS ROW
According to official communication issued on February 19 at the DGM level, a comprehensive minute-to-minute plan had been drawn up covering the director’s entire schedule – from arrival arrangements to religious visits and daily logistics.
The protocol included detailed preparations, beginning with a reception at the Prayagraj railway station and extending to arranging holy dips, visits to prominent religious sites, meals, transport, and personal comfort arrangements. Instructions were also issued to ensure that items used after bathing, including towels and personal belongings, were properly managed and accounted for.
OVER 50 OFFICIALS ASSIGNED DUTIES
More than 50 BSNL officers and staff members were assigned specific responsibilities to ensure the visit proceeded without inconvenience. Separate teams were tasked with coordinating movement, hospitality, bathing arrangements and post-visit logistics.
Officials were also directed to arrange multiple bath kits, refreshments and escort services throughout the itinerary, including during the proposed visit to the Triveni Sangam and nearby temples.
The document began circulating widely on social media platforms, prompting criticism over the scale of arrangements and questions about the use of public resources for senior officials’ visits.
Several users termed the arrangements a “royal protocol”, reigniting debate over VIP culture and administrative priorities within public sector undertakings.
Following the backlash and escalation of the matter to higher authorities, the visit was abruptly cancelled within a day of the protocol documents going viral. BSNL Public Relations Officer Ashish Gupta confirmed that the director’s Prayagraj programme had been withdrawn and said the issued protocol should now be treated as invalid. He, however, declined to comment on the controversy surrounding the arrangements.