You are heading the rescue operations in an area affected by severe natural calamity, thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water, and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damaged supply routes. The local people are seeded with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of your team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis some team member pleads with you to call off the operations freeing threats to their life.

In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant that will be required to manage the situations. (250 words) (20 marks)

Ethics

Ethics: Case Study

2019

20 Marks

Introduction This case study highlights the ethical dilemma of duty vs. morality in the face of adversity, reminiscent of the Uttarakhand floods of 2013, where rescue workers faced similar challenges. The central ethical dilemma is balancing the duty to provide aid with the safety of the rescue team, a conflict between utilitarianism (maximizing overall well-being) and deontology (adhering to moral duties regardless of consequences).

Stakeholder Identification Affected population, rescue team members, injured team member, the government, and the head of rescue operations.

Answer:

Immediate actions: My first priority is the safety of my team. I would immediately order a tactical retreat to a secure location, prioritizing the injured team member's medical needs. This demonstrates professionalism and addresses the immediate crisis of conscience faced by the team members fearing for their lives.
Communication and Negotiation: Establishing communication with the affected population is crucial. I would appoint a team member with strong interpersonal skills to address the crowd, acknowledging their distress, explaining the challenges faced by the rescue team, and appealing for calm and cooperation. This action reflects the spirit of service and addresses the public accountability of the rescue operation.
Alternative Rescue Strategies: I would explore alternative routes and methods for delivering aid, such as airdropping essential supplies. Simultaneously, I would request additional resources from higher authorities, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for reinforced security for the rescue team. This exhibits courage of conviction and addresses the injustice faced by the affected population due to delayed aid.
Long-Term Measures: Once the immediate crisis is mitigated, I would facilitate a dialogue between government representatives and community leaders to address the root causes of the discontent, focusing on improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. This action aligns with the common good approach and promotes public welfare over any private gain that might arise from neglecting disaster preparedness.

Conclusion This case study underscores the importance of courage of conviction, professionalism, and the spirit of service in public service, especially during crises. The 2017 Gujarat floods, where effective communication and coordination minimized casualties, highlight the positive impact of a well-managed disaster response. Moving forward, fostering trust between the public and rescue agencies through regular communication and transparency, along with robust disaster preparedness programs, is crucial to prevent such ethical dilemmas and ensure efficient aid delivery in future calamities. This fosters a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most while safeguarding the well-being of those who risk their lives to deliver it.

Answer Length

Model answers may exceed the word limit for better clarity and depth. Use them as a guide, but always frame your final answer within the exam’s prescribed limit.

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