Jitu Munda, aged around 50, belongs to Dianali village in Keonjhar district. In an effort to secure some financial stability, he sold two bullocks and deposited approximately ₹20,000 in a bank account in the name of his sister, Karala Munda, aged 56. She later fell ill with fever and, despite being taken to a hospital, refused prolonged treatment due to acute poverty. She died on 26 January 2026 and was buried near their home. Following her death, Jitu Munda faced extreme hardship and struggled to sustain himself, often resorting to begging for food. The savings in his sister’s account, amounting to approximately ₹19,402, became essential for his survival. He approached the Maliposi branch of Utkal Grameen Bank in Patna Block multiple times to withdraw the money using her passbook. However, bank officials denied his request, citing procedural norms that required either the physical presence of the account holder or submission of valid documentation such as a death certificate. Unfamiliar with banking procedures and unable to secure the required documents, his repeated appeals were rejected. In desperation, he exhumed his sister’s grave, collected her skeletal remains, and carried them nearly three kilometres to the bank as proof of her death.

This incident starkly illustrates the intersection of poverty, illiteracy, and rigid institutional processes, where procedural requirements override basic human dignity

Addressing these gaps requires a comprehensive shift in governance design. First, the introduction of graded proof systems would allow multiple forms of verification, such as certification by local bodies, validation by frontline workers, and self-declarations subject to post-verification. This would reduce exclusion while maintaining accountability.

Second, banking institutions must adopt vulnerability protocols that recognize the needs of marginalized populations. Regulatory frameworks should mandate escalation mechanisms, time-bound grievance redressal, and accountability for denial of services.

Third, civil registration systems must be strengthened through automatic registration processes linked to hospitals, local governments, and burial records, along with doorstep delivery of certificates in rural areas. This would shift the burden of documentation from citizens to the state.

Fourth, last-mile facilitation infrastructure must be expanded through the deployment of trained intermediaries who can assist citizens in accessing services. Strengthening local institutions such as Panchayati Raj bodies and service centres would improve accessibility.

Fifth, governance systems must incorporate equity-based norms that recognize structural disadvantage. Aligning service delivery with legal frameworks such as the Forest Rights Act, 2006 can help address historical inequities.

Sixth, bureaucratic incentives and training must be reformed to encourage ethical and empathetic decision-making. Protecting officials who exercise good-faith discretion is essential for fostering responsive governance.

Seventh, digital systems must be designed to be inclusive, with assisted access, vernacular interfaces, and mandatory human alternatives. Finally, emergency access mechanisms should be established to allow temporary relief in cases where documentation is incomplete, subject to later verification.

Jitu Munda case and Lessons Learnt