By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Saturday wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said “With deep anguish and urgency bring to the attention of Union Minister about the shocking incident that took place on April 27th at the Malliposi branch of the Odisha Grameen Bank in Kendujhar District. A tribal citizen, Mr. Jitu Munda, was forced to exhume the skeletal remains of his sister and carry them to the bank as proof of her death in order to withdraw his rightful dues,”
Patnaik said “This followed numerous unsuccessful visits to the bank where he received no assistance or clarity from officials. What is even more shocking is the bank’s attempt to justify this inhuman conduct by citing adherence to RBI guidelines. This reflects a disturbing intent by officials to hide behind procedures and abandon the very people they are meant to serve. In a democracy, rules are meant to empower citizens, not humiliate them,”
‘This horrifying incident has outraged public sentiment across #Odisha and has also drawn international media attention, including coverage by the New York Post and the BBC. Though isolated, this incident highlights the urgent need for a more humane banking administration, especially in remote tribal areas,” BJD President said.
‘Urge Nirmala Sitharaman ji to ensure clear accountability is fixed immediately for this shocking lapse. Also urge you to send a strong signal to all rural banks to guarantee citizen-centric service delivery with empathy and compassion. I am confident that with your compassionate intervention, such inhuman treatment of citizens will not be repeated anywhere else in the country,” Patnaik added.
