The Centre has ordered corrective measures following the Jitu Munda incident, which triggered nationwide outrage and concerns over how financial institutions treat tribal and vulnerable customers. According to reports from Business Standard, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Leader of the Opposition and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik about the action taken. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) viewed the incident seriously and directed appropriate measures in response to Patnaik's letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 2 seeking exemplary action against bank officials. In his reply dated 12 June 2026 to Naveen Patnaik, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that the incident had been "viewed seriously" by the department.
On 29 May 2026, the DFS issued a nationwide advisory to all 28 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across India, mandating responsive and citizen-centric service delivery with special focus on rural, tribal, and vulnerable customers. The advisory emphasizes that banking procedures "must be implemented with due sensitivity, empathy, and effective communication, particularly in rural and tribal areas." As reported by Business Standard, the DFS reaffirmed that "strict adherence to prescribed procedures is essential in banking operations," but stressed that these procedures must be executed with appropriate sensitivity and communication skills.
The manager of Odisha Gramya Bank's Malliposi branch in Keonjhar district has been suspended in connection with the incident. As reported by Business Standard, besides suspending the branch manager, Odisha Gramya Bank has issued instructions to all field-level officials to ensure compassionate and transparent customer service. With Board approval, the bank has issued an internal advisory directing all field functionaries to deliver compassionate, empathetic, and transparent services to customers.
The controversy erupted on April 27 when Munda, a tribal resident of Dianali village in Keonjhar district, allegedly carried the skeletal remains of his deceased sister to the Malliposi branch after repeatedly failing to access money deposited in her account. According to Business Standard, images and videos of the incident went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism and raising questions about banking services in remote tribal regions. The bank settled the claim amount of ₹19,402 in favour of Munda and two other legal heirs after local administration intervention helped the family obtain required documents. The incident involved the claim in a deceased customer's account which had no surviving nominee, requiring prescribed documents including a death certificate and legal heir certificates.
