You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration.

(1) humanity vs. National interest (2) Social contract vs Human contract of citizens (3) Self interest vs Public interest

(a) Why citizens have 1st claim?

(1) As taxpayers, they have 1st right to public service

(2) Immigrants are illegally residing here. So any help will further incentivise illegal immigration

(3) Participatory governance requires that wills of citizens and their representation reign supreme.

(4) Government is formed by social contract between citizens and administration, Helping illegal immigrants will break the contract.

Why immigrants also have a claim

(1) Humanity and ethics trump selfish interest

(2) Case does not talk about any monetary constraint on resources. So we have enough to take care of immigrants without taking anything away from citizens. → core aspect utilitarianism theory

(3) Kant's categorical imperative requires us to help immigrants irrespective of their illegal presence

(4) India is a signatory of Universal declaration of human rights, 1948..

Hence we are obligated to serve immigrants

Verdict

I believe, immigrants should also be served as there is no evidence of them being non-citizens. Or in case of lack of documentary evidence - we should help 1st

Follow Gandhi's maxim - "There is a higher court of justice, than court of law, that is the court of conscience"

(b) Course of action

1. Compute relief material required after visiting ground conditions → Place request with state government

2. Immediate relief to those about to submerge via boats for rescue.

3. Air force could be called in to drop relief material.

4. Deployment of police and request for paramilitary forces to ensure safety from thugs.

5. Provision of medicine, clean water to prevent outbreak of epidemic.

6. Provision of temporary shelter for those affected

7. Request for CSR funds from nearby corporates and funds from NGO's in addition to CM Relief funds.

8. Post-relief phase, start rehabilitation to provide livelihood and permanent housing.