Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the u - MCQ (English)

UPSC CSE PRELIMS2026General Studies Administrative EthicsHard

Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department. She received confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors for a public infrastructure project had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust.

What amongst the following should Ms. X do now?

Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public
Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project's integrity
Propose a 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being

Select the answer using the code given below:

Correct Answer: B — 3 only

Explanation:

This is best resolved as a procedural-integrity question. Action 2 is rejected because immediate contractor removal based only on allegations is seen as violating natural justice. Action 3 is accepted because limited disclosure to an oversight body preserves due process and institutional hierarchy. Therefore the file argues that the safer UPSC-style answer is 3 only.

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