A major controversy has erupted within the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) following the leak of a highly detailed, “royal-style” protocol plan for a senior official’s visit to Prayagraj. The elaborate arrangements, which reportedly included assigning dozens of staff to handle personal items such as clothing and toiletries, have sparked a stern rebuke from the Union Government and led to the immediate cancellation of the trip.
The trouble began when an internal office order surfaced on social media, outlining a meticulous minute-by-minute schedule for a BSNL Director scheduled to visit the holy city. While official visits are routine, the scale of this plan went far beyond professional logistics. Nearly 50 BSNL officials—ranging from junior engineers to divisional managers—were reportedly assigned to specific tasks that dived deep into the official’s personal comfort management.
According to the leaked document, teams were formed to oversee every aspect of the stay, including religious rituals at the Triveni Sangam and local temples. The arrangements included the procurement of “snan” (bath) kits containing towels, mirrors, hair oil, and even personal clothing. Vehicles were to be stocked with specific refreshments like chocolates and juices, while guest house rooms were prepared with dry fruit bowls and shaving kits. Specific personnel were even designated to handle photography and guard personal belongings during religious ceremonies.
The backlash was swift once the itinerary hit the public domain, with many questioning the use of public resources for what appeared to be a personal religious itinerary. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia did not mince words, describing the arrangements as “improper,” “shocking,” and “unacceptable.” He emphasized that such a display of “VIP culture” violates established administrative traditions and confirmed that a show-cause notice has been issued to the Director, requiring a response within seven days.
In an attempt to contain the damage, BSNL officially cancelled the visit shortly after the documents became public. The company released a statement distancing itself from the order, noting that the incident was not in conformity with its professional standards and values. While some internal sources suggested the document was an accidental leak of a coordination memo, the government has signaled that accountability will be fixed. This episode has reignited a national conversation regarding entitlement in high-ranking administrative circles, especially at a time when the PSU is navigating significant financial challenges.
