Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a healthcare scheme meant for senior citizens. The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following: (a) 60 years of age or above. (b) Belonging to a reserved community. (c) Family income of less than ₹ 1 lakh per annum. (d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary. One day, an old couple visited Rakesh's office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple have no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of ₹ 1 lakh. The couple fulfills all the criteria except criterion 'b'. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life. How should Rakesh respond to the situation?

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Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 274 words

Q1.

Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a healthcare scheme meant for senior citizens. The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following: (a) 60 years of age or above. (b) Belonging to a reserved community. (c) Family income of less than ₹ 1 lakh per annum. (d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary. One day, an old couple visited Rakesh's office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple have no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of ₹ 1 lakh. The couple fulfills all the criteria except criterion 'b'. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life. How should Rakesh respond to the situation?20

Introduction

Rakesh's honesty is tested on whether it only applies the list or also finds a lawful way to help. The core dilemma is between Rule of Law and Compassion for a couple who meet every criterion but one.

Ethical Dilemma Before Rakesh

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Legitimate targeting

Criterion (b) reflects Article 46 priorities; relaxing it exceeds Rakesh's authority and is unfair to others.

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Exclusion and bias

A curable, destitute couple risks exclusion, while the Identifiable Victim Effect could turn compassion into favouritism.

Options Before Rakesh

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(i) CONFRONT [Strict-Legal]

Reject outright, which is Moral Myopia.

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(ii) CAPITULATE [Empathetic-Humanitarian]

Relax criterion (b), a Dual-Standard Practice.

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(iii) EVADE [Procedural-Evasive]

Forward upward without comment, which is Moral Escapism.

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(iv) COMPROMISE [Compromised-Hybrid]

Pay personally, kind but not scalable.

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(v) RECONCILE ✓ [Balanced]

Decide within rules, secure lawful aid elsewhere, flag the gap (recommended).

How Rakesh Should Respond

Rule of Law vs Compassion. Venn diagram: Rule of Law, Compassion; overlap: Lawful aid through other channels

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Decide within rules

Record the ineligibility and explain it to the couple with empathy.

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Converge schemes

Apply to Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi [scheme] and the CM's or PM's relief fund for medical aid.

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Mobilise support

Tap hospital poor-patient funds and CSR, as Armstrong Pame [officer] raised public contributions for Manipur's People's Road.

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Fix the gap

Send a reasoned note proposing a need-based window for destitute elderly outside reserved categories.

Justification:

Gandhi's Talisman: recalling the poorest, Rakesh must help this couple through lawful channels that keep the scheme fair.

Conclusion

Integrity joined to empathy lets Rakesh keep the rules and still ensure the surgery happens.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.