Topic: Case Study
7. Suppose you are an officer in-charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she has no documents to show that she fulfills the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your enquirers also show that she is really destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without necessary documents would clearly be violation of rules. But denying her the support would be cruel and inhuman. a) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma? b) Give your reasons for it. (250 Words) (20 M) (UPSC 2016)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study and major ethical dilemmas present.
Body:
In the body, write about the rational course of action available for you as the officer in charger.
Next, give valid arguments for the both the above-mentioned courses of action that you can take. Evaluate its pros and cons in detail.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the importance of rationality in decision making.
