Scenario A: Strict rule compliance vs compassionate discretion: Beneficiary lacking identity documents

"For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason Reason & Critical and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples.

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 Rules vs Compassion 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 Woman Scheme) under the scheme without necessary documents would clearly be violation of rules. But denying her the support would be cruel and inhuman. 1) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma? 2) Give your reasons for it.

Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent past. In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about 200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are Border Civil War & also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather.