Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of 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 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 with Vijay? (b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced 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? (Answer in 250 words) 20

7. Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of 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 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 with Vijay?

(b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced 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?                                                                                                   (Answer in 250 words) 20

Answer:

(a) Options available with Vijay

1. Leave immediately for his hometown to perform his mother’s last rites.
2. Continue leading rescue operations in the district, postponing his travel.
3. Delegate responsibilities to a capable subordinate officer and leave temporarily.
4. Seek government assistance (e.g., video-conference rituals, arranging family help) while staying at his post.

 

(b) Ethical dilemmas faced

• Duty vs Personal Responsibility: Serving affected citizens vs fulfilling filial duty.
• Public Interest vs Private Interest: Lives of thousands vs personal grief.
• Professional Ethics vs Emotional Values: Integrity of office vs moral obligation to family.

 

(c) Critical Evaluation of Options

1. Leave immediately:
• Pros: Upholds family duty, provides emotional closure.
• Cons: Could demoralize administration, weaken relief coordination, risk lives of many.
2. Stay in district:
• Pros: Fulfills constitutional duty, inspires confidence among citizens, saves lives.
• Cons: Personal grief unaddressed, family may feel abandoned, emotional burden.
3. Delegate and leave temporarily:
• Pros: Balances duty and family obligation, ensures continuity of operations.
• Cons: Relief efforts may lose momentum; subordinates may lack authority in crises.
4. Seek alternatives for rituals remotely:
• Pros: Saves time, maintains presence at duty station.
• Cons: May not provide emotional satisfaction, seen as inadequate by family.

 

(d) Most appropriate option

The most ethical course is Option 2 with elements of Option 3—Vijay should remain in the district during the peak crisis as saving lives is paramount. He may delegate specific tasks to trusted officers, maintain constant oversight, and once the situation stabilizes, proceed for last rites or memorial services.
This balances utilitarian ethics (maximizing welfare of thousands) with personal virtue (resilience and sacrifice), setting an example of integrity and prioritizing public service.