UPSC Mains 2016 GS4 Q11 — Compassion vs Rules
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 fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your enquiries 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
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- thinkresolveGive your reasons
- Scope keywords
- social service schemeold and destitute womenno documentsviolation of rulescruel and inhumanrational way to resolve
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identification of core ethical values at conflict (Rule of Law vs. Compassion/Empathy).
- Immediate short-term relief measures outside the formal scheme framework.
- Procedural/administrative bridges to help her acquire the necessary documentation.
- Systemic suggestions to prevent such 'exclusion errors' for other destitute beneficiaries.
- Common pitfalls
- Advocating for a direct violation of rules which shows a lack of administrative integrity.
- Suggesting personal financial help as the primary solution instead of a sustainable administrative fix.
- Failing to mention specific documentation alternatives like affidavits or local community verification.
- Neglecting the 'rational' aspect of the solution by being purely emotional and ignoring accountability.
- Dimensions required
- Ethical (Deontology vs. Teleology)Administrative (Rule-based vs. Spirit of the Law)Legal (Right to Life and Dignity under Article 21)Practical/Operational (Documentation and Verification)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend approximately 50 words identifying the ethical dilemma and the clash between compassion and legality. Allocate 100 words to a multi-pronged 'rational way' that includes temporary relief, document procurement assistance, and provisional enrollment. Use the remaining 100 words to justify these actions through the lens of 'Spirit of the Law' and 'Compassionate Governance' to fulfill the reasons requirement.
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