Prelims 2026 · Polity and Constitution · Question 53
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.<br/><br/>What amongst the following should Ms. X do now?<br/><br/>1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public<br/>2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project's integrity<br/>3. Propose a 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being<br/><br/>Select the answer using the code given below:<br/>
Answer
3 only
Immediate public disclosure of confidential, unproven material is improper. At the same time, suppressing it entirely is also wrong. The proportionate course is to place it before an authorized oversight body for scrutiny and action. Removing the contractor straightaway on unproven allegations would bypass fairness and due process. So 3 only is the best answer.