A hilly state witnessed torrential rains leading to loss of life and property. Apart from the local inhabitants there were tourists stranded in large numbers. With the supply chains broken and increased demand, it was observed that local shopkeepers started selling essential goods at very high prices. With a very restricted possibility of being evacuated in the coming few days, the stranded people feel helpless. A crumbled governance infrastructure in remote areas has multiplied the extent of their agony. Given this situation, answer the following questions. 20 (a) Identify the various stakeholders in the case and give a reasoned account of their interests. Given the administrative, market and ethical perspective of viewing the situation, do you think there is a conflict in the priorities of these stakeholders? (b) Suggest ways to harmonize competing interests in order to resolve the issues, provide relief and prevent escalation of conflict.

a) The various stakeholders involved are- • Local inhabitants - ↳ Immediate healthcare for their loved ones who have been affected ↳ Recovery of damages to their property ↳ Availability of food and care without disruption ↳ Evacuation ↳ Answer from the government with respect to the poor infrastructure • Tourists ↳ Immediate healthcare for those affected ↳ Availability of food and essential supplies without hurdles ↳ Evacuation ↳ Informing their relatives at home about their well-being • Local shopkeepers ↳ Care for those affected ↳ Opportunity to do business, especially when everybody [is] helpless ↳ Clearing all of their stock, and selling them at high prices ↳ Opportunity to help by providing supplies free or atleast at MRP • Government ↳ Evacuating the people ↳ Informing families of tourists about the ongoing situation ↳ If foreign tourists are involved, informing the respective government ↳ Ensuring delivery of aid via air and other means ↳ Understanding root of the problem and taking steps to repair the infrastructure

The conflict in priorities of various stakeholders can be seen as below -

i) Shopkeepers' priority of doing business at maximum profit v/s locals and tourists' priority of receiving uninterrupted supplies without hurdles

ii) Administration's priority of helping stranded people v/s their own interest in getting themselves evacuated first (for local officers)

iii) Government's priority of evacuating people v/s starting the 'blame game' and delaying things.

iv) Tourists v/s locals with respect to receiving the limited supplies first, and in what number.

b) The mode of action should be -

• Local administration should reach the spot and assess the on-ground situation. • The shopkeepers should be sensitized to provide supplies atleast at MRP. If they are reluctant, then they should be arrested as selling goods above MRP itself is a crime. • Those locals and tourists who have purchasing capacity, should buy the goods at MRP. For others, it should be provided for free. • Each shopkeeper should maintain a proper account / record of items distributed, so that he can be reimbursed by the government later, if needed. • All the stakeholders should be calmed down and urged to cooperate, especially by giving priority to women, children and elderly. • The government should establish contact with local administration and arrange for evacuation. • At the end, the infrastructure issue must be addressed, to prevent repeat of such incidents.