Who is Vivek Banzal, the BSNL senior official in news for 'underwear' row surrounding his Prayagraj visit?

Vivek Banzal

• BSNL scrapped a senior official's visit after public outrage.
• Leaked memo showed extensive staff arrangements for the trip.
• BSNL deemed the circular unintentional, took corrective action.

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A controversy over alleged entitlement within public sector institutions has reignited after an internal communication concerning a senior official of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited became public, triggering outrage and forcing the scrapping of a planned visit.

The episode involves Vivek Banzal, a 1987 batch Indian Telecom Service officer with academic qualifications in electronics engineering and computer science engineering. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, he has occupied several high ranking posts in government owned telecom entities.

Banzal joined BSNL in 2018 as Director handling Consumer Fixed Access. In 2022, he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of ITI Limited before later returning to BSNL in a senior position. He is considered within official circles to be a veteran administrator with long experience in the telecom domain.

The issue surfaced after a document detailing preparations for Banzal’s scheduled trip to Prayagraj on February 25 and 26 was widely shared online. The circular described comprehensive arrangements for the Director and his family during their proposed visit to the Sangam.

Staff members were reportedly instructed to organise transportation, lodging, catering and other support services. The list of provisions allegedly included personal items such as towels, toiletries, grooming supplies and even undergarments. Multiple teams were formed to oversee responsibilities ranging from airport reception to ensuring overall comfort, with around 50 employees assigned duties.

The breadth of the arrangements drew sharp criticism on social media, where many questioned the use of manpower and resources of a public sector company in such a manner.

Following the uproar, the visit was called off. A BSNL official later said the circular had been circulated unintentionally and was meant only for internal coordination.

The company later issued a statement on X, saying, “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.”