Nearly 50 officials assigned tasks for two-day visit
The office order showed that close to 50 officials were assigned around 20 different tasks to manage the two-day programme. The plan covered every stage of the visit, from arrival to temple visits and a ceremonial bath at the Sangam.
The document detailed arrangements for a “snan kit” that included towel, undergarment, slippers (written as “sleeper”), comb, mirror and an oil bottle. It also specified that six male kits and two female kits should be arranged.
The itinerary also listed a boat ride and visits to Bade Hanuman Mandir, Akshayavat and Patalpuri temples. One bedsheet was to be arranged for general use at the ghat.
Hospitality list includes dry fruits, shaving kits and toiletries
The order further outlined arrangements at the hotel and Circuit House. Officials were asked to provide dry fruit bowls, fruit bowls, shaving kits, towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, combs and oil.
The level of detail in the arrangements drew widespread attention online once screenshots of the office order began circulating.
list of items and arrangements in the viral letter
1. Travel and logistics
- Two Innova Crysta cars (white colour) with new towels
2. Venue preparation
- Cleaning and decoration of CTO building and campus
- Sprinkling lime on the way
- Arrangement of lights and fans
3. Official meeting arrangements
- Bouquet at Circuit House and conference hall
- Mementos for conference hall
- Name plates and dais decoration
- Folders
- Water bottles
- Towels
- Table sheets
- Crockery
- Chairs
- Sound system
- Snacks for the meeting
4. Travel kits for vehicles
- Water bottles
- Chocolates
- Chips
- Fruit juice
- Glasses
- Napkins
5. Snan (bathing) kits
Male kits (6 sets)
- Towel
- Underwear
- Mirror
- Comb
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Oil
- Slippers
Female kits (2 sets)
- Towel
- Mirror
- Comb
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Oil
- Slippers
6. Ghat arrangement
- One bedsheet for general use at the ghat
7. Hotel and Circuit House arrangements
- Dry fruit bowls
- Fruit bowls
- Slippers
- Shaving kit
- Towels
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Comb
- Oil (for Circuit House)
8. Additional instruction
- Pack all kits and hand them over to concerned committee members/venue before February 24, 2026
BSNL says norms not followed, action taken
Responding to the controversy, BSNL India said in a post on X on February 21: “BSNL has standing instructions in place regarding the manner in which official visits are to be handled. An instance of non-adherence to the same has been taken note of. The instance noted is not in conformity with the professional standards and values of BSNL.”Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned.”
“Further, instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant instructions. BSNL employees are reminded to strictly adhere to prescribed conduct rules and instructions in this regard,” the post said.
A senior BSNL officer based in Prayagraj told PTI on condition of anonymity, “The entire incident appears to be an attempt to tarnish (our) image,” and declined further comment.
Who is Vivek Banzal
According to the BSNL website, Vivek Banzal is a 1987-batch Indian Telecommunication Service officer with over 34 years of experience in telecom networks. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics, a Master of Engineering in Computer Science and an MBA.
The website says, “Since 2016, he has been promoting and managing Bharat Fiber (BSNL’s FTTH services), BSNL IT framework, and other services. His vision has led to the digitization of processes and the introduction of innovative solutions for customers.”
(Inputs from PTI)
