You are a District Collector who has been requested by your counterpart in an adjoining district to allow flood relief camps to be operated, as that district had been hit by floods. You allowed such camps to be erected in areas under your jurisdiction. Further, you also contributed in provision of basic amenities to the flood victims. Subsequently you receive complaints about theft and vandalism of property in areas around the camp. People are pointing fingers at the residents of the camp and want them to immediately return back to their homes as flood waters have abated. But the people in the camp are resisting this as roads leading to the district have been washed away and supply of food, medicine and other essential materials will not be restored immediately. In such a situation you would;

2.5 marks for option (d) 1.5 marks for option (c) 1 mark for option (b) 0 marks for option (a) Rationale/Reasoning (d) Directing for an inquiry into incidents which have occurred is essential to book the culprits. Stepping up the vigil is required to prevent further such incidents and for security of residents as well relief seekers. (c) Option ‘c’ is the next best course of action as actual complaints will get inquired into. (b) Making an appeal for compassion though good in principle may or may not work. Besides, as a District Collector you may be seen to be siding with people of adjoining district while neglecting the bonafide interest of people of your district. As such, only an appeal will not suffice. (a) Asking the people to be taken back will be unjust as food/ medical supply has not been restored. Besides the allegation of vandalism/ theft may be the handiwork of somebody else and not that of the relief seekers. Principles/ Values tested   Upholding justice without succumbing to pressure or unjust public sentiment.