The Odisha state government will recommend strict action against officials of the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)-sponsored Odisha Grameen Bank following alleged lapses that forced a tribal man to carry his sister's skeletal remains to the Mallipasi branch in Keonjhar to prove her death. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari made this announcement on Saturday, stating that the move will be based on the report from the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) inquiry.
Minister's Statement
Pujari emphasized that the bank could have initiated the process if it required death and legal heir certificates. He pointed out that had the bank been under the state government's administrative control, action would have already been taken. Prima facie, negligent staff would have been suspended, he said. Since the bank is not under state control, the government will forward the RDC report to competent authorities and recommend action against the erring officials.
Bank Association's Reaction
The Odisha Grameen Bank Association has threatened agitation, claiming the staff were not at fault. However, Pujari rejected this argument, stating that bank staff have a responsibility to assist customers. If a customer is uneducated and unable to understand procedures, it is the duty of the staff to guide him, he said. The bank could have sought the required certificates by writing to the authorities.
Pujari added: Shirking responsibility is not good governance. Those claiming there was no lapse need to introspect. If someone threatens agitation against legal action, they are free to do so.
Bank's Defense
A day after the incident, IOB defended its staff, saying they acted as per norms. The bank claimed that the man, Jitu Munda (50), had visited the Malliposi branch for the first time in an inebriated state, became disruptive, and later returned with human remains on Monday. The bank attributed the episode to his lack of awareness about the claims process and refusal to follow procedures explained by the branch manager.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the difficulties faced by marginalized communities in accessing banking services. The state government's decision to recommend action underscores its commitment to accountability and customer service.
