Moral Dilemma in a Natural Disaster

You are an Officer in charge of authenticating the documents of people who lost their life support in a natural disaster. An illiterate senior citizen comes to meet you one day anticipating your support in getting the benefit proclaimed by the Government. After verifying the papers produced by him, you understand that they are not the documents as expected to be a beneficiary. You are not ready to reject his request because in reality he has no support for survival other than what he has lost in the disaster. This leads to a conflicting situation of either to support him or not. How do you resolve this situation? Explain.

This scenario is indeed complex and creates a moral dilemma from a humanitarian perspective. On one hand, as a government official, I must carry out my duties with integrity. On the other hand, I have a responsibility to assist a senior citizen who is struggling due to a natural disaster.

In this situation, I would follow these steps:

1. Clearly Understanding the Problem:
• I would first understand what kind of assistance the senior citizen is seeking.
• I would check the documents he possesses and identify the missing documents.
• I would study the government rules and policies to understand the eligibility criteria and any possible alternatives.
2. Discussing with Colleagues:
• I would consult my colleagues about the issue, as their experience and knowledge might help me find a viable solution.
• I would try to learn how similar cases have been handled in the past.
3. Seeking Guidance from Superiors:
• I would have an open discussion with my superiors regarding the case. They may provide guidance or grant necessary permissions to resolve the issue.
• I would inquire if there are any exemptions or special considerations in government policies for exceptional cases like this.
4. Exploring Assistance from Other Organizations:
• I would seek help from local NGOs or humanitarian organizations that might provide financial aid or other forms of support to the senior citizen.
• I would attempt to bring media attention to the issue to generate public awareness and support, which might create pressure for policy adjustments.
5. Approaching the Problem with a Humanitarian Perspective:
• I would try to understand the hardships faced by the senior citizen.
• I would make every possible effort within my capacity to assist him.

While making a decision, I would consider the following factors:

• Government Regulations: Since I am a public servant, I must abide by the rules and policies set by the government.
• Humanitarian Considerations: As an individual, I must empathize with the senior citizen’s situation and try to provide assistance.

I understand that there is no simple solution to this problem. However, I would strive to strike a balance between duty and humanity to arrive at the best possible decision.