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) [UPSC 2016] 20

Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Context: Introduce the scenario of an officer responsible for a social service scheme aimed at supporting old and destitute women.
• Dilemma: Present the conflict between adhering to rules regarding documentation and the moral obligation to assist a clearly needy individual.
• Thesis Statement: Highlight the need for a compassionate and practical approach to resolve this dilemma.

Body

1. Identifying the Key Issues

• Lack of Documentation: The old woman lacks formal documents to prove eligibility for support.
• Desperate Need: Despite the absence of documentation, her situation is dire, and she genuinely requires assistance.
• Ethical Consideration: Denying her support may be seen as inhumane, contradicting the purpose of the scheme.

2. Proposed Approach to Resolve the Dilemma

(a) Rational Way to Resolve the Dilemma

• Assessment-Based Approach: Conduct a thorough assessment of the woman’s conditions to determine her need for support, utilizing alternative verification methods.

(b) Reasons for This Approach

1. Case-by-Case Evaluation:
   • Description: Conduct home visits and interviews to gather detailed information about her living conditions.
   • Justification: This provides a deeper understanding of her situation, emphasizing the urgency of her needs.
2. Collaboration with Local Authorities:
   • Description: Involve local community leaders and social workers who may have insights into her circumstances.
   • Justification: Their testimonies can provide credible support for her eligibility.
3. Alternative Documentation:
   • Description: Explore affidavits or testimonies from neighbors or local authorities to establish her need.
   • Justification: This allows for a more flexible verification process without compromising the integrity of the scheme.
4. Link with NGOs:
   • Description: Consult NGOs that assist vulnerable populations for additional resources or support.
   • Justification: These organizations may have established methods for verifying cases without formal documentation.
5. Establish a Review Process:
   • Description: Set up a mechanism to evaluate exceptional cases like this one.
   • Justification: This ensures accountability and provides a structured way to assess cases that fall outside standard criteria.

Conclusion

• Summary: Recap the proposed assessment-based approach and its rationale.
• Final Thought: Emphasize the importance of balancing rule adherence with compassion, ensuring that support reaches those in genuine need.

Relevant Facts for Use

1. Elderly Women and Poverty: Studies indicate that elderly women are often among the most vulnerable, facing high rates of poverty and social isolation (Source: UN Women, 2020).
2. Community Verification: Research shows that community involvement in the verification process can enhance the identification of deserving beneficiaries (Source: World Bank, 2018).

This roadmap provides a clear framework for addressing the ethical challenges in implementing social service schemes, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.