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 :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Ms. X holds unverified, confidential information; the ethical course must balance transparency with fairness to the contractor and with the proper channel for such material.
• Immediate public disclosure (1) would broadcast unproven allegations, risk defamation and breach confidentiality; it is not the correct first step.
• Recommending removal from the shortlist (2) on unproven allegations would be arbitrary and violate natural justice and procurement rules.
• Limited disclosure to an oversight committee (3) puts the information before the competent authority for due diligence while protecting the contractor until facts are established; this respects both transparency and fairness and does not bow to Mr. Y's pressure to suppress.
• Hence 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Public disclosure of unproven allegations and summary removal both violate fairness and due process.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Removing the contractor on unproven allegations is arbitrary; only limited disclosure is appropriate.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Options 1 and 2 are both premature and unfair.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.