Resource Allocation Dilemmas — Mains Questions

A District Collector faces a resource allocation dilemma during flood relief operations. Limited helicopters are available for rescue operations, and there are three equally urgent situations: (a) 50 people stranded on rooftops in an urban area, (b) 20 people trapped in a remote village, and (c) a pregnant woman requiring immediate medical evacuation. Analyze this dilemma using different ethical frameworks and suggest a decision-making approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted several resource allocation dilemmas in Indian administration. Examine the ethical challenges faced in vaccine distribution, healthcare resource allocation, and economic relief distribution. What lessons can be drawn for future crisis management?