UPSC Prelims 2026

Question 78 of 100

Question 78

GS Paper-1 • 2 Marks

Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. Recently, she was involved in approving a contract for a public infrastructure project — a new community park. During the approval process, she received a piece of confidential information indicating that one of the shortlisted contractors had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption in other cities, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department, Mr. Y, advised her not to disclose this information to the project committee or the public because it could delay the project and damage the city’s reputation. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust.

What amongst the following should Ms. X do now ?
1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public
2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project’s integrity
3. 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 :

Options

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 3 only

Correct Answer

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

📖Detailed Explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation:
Since there unproven but serious allegations and the project has already been awarded to the contractor, the best course of action is pursuing a limited disclosure to an oversight committee to take action on the the new information.

78 / 100

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