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:
1 and 2 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
View Answer
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.