7. Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of a remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People's houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother.
(a) What are the options available to Vijay?
(b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay?
(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.
(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.
(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why? (250 words, 20 marks)
Directions: Intro----Stakeholders involved + Ethical issues + explain each question ----- Conclusion.
Introduction:
Vijay faces a conflict between personal/familial duty towards his deceased mother and constitutional/public duty towards thousands of disaster victims under his jurisdiction.
Main Body
Key stakeholders involved
Key ethical issues
(a) Options available for Vijay
(b) Ethical dilemma
(c)Critical evaluation of options
|
Options Available |
Merits |
Limitations |
|
Leave immediately |
Fulfils filial duty; provides emotional closure.
|
Abandoning leadership during a worsening disaster; may affect morale and coordination. |
|
Stay and lead operations |
Saves lives; ensures strong leadership and accountability.
|
Personal grief and inability to perform mother’s last rites; risk of emotional burnout. |
|
Delegate charge and leave
|
Balances family and public duties; ensures administrative continuity. |
New leadership may lack Vijay’s experience and local knowledge during a critical phase |
|
Travel while coordinating remotely
|
Attempts to balance both responsibilities. |
Connectivity is disrupted; remote leadership may be ineffective
|
|
Ask sister to perform rites |
Allows Vijay to remain and save lives; family responsibility is addressed. |
Emotional and cultural concerns; sister may not be able to reach immediately
|
|
Delegate someone in State help of State Government |
Can fulfil his filial obligation without completely abandoning public responsibility. |
Replacement officer may lack Vijay’s local knowledge, experience and established coordination networks. |
(d) Most appropriate option
Candidates must choose according to their own perspective.
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.
