UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · 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. 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 :
Correct answer: Option C
Miscellaneous
Options
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (C) — 2 and 3 only
Explanation
- When dealing with unproven but credible concerns about a contractor, a balanced approach is needed that protects public interest without premature public disclosure.
- Limited disclosure to an oversight committee ensures institutional checks while avoiding potential defamation from unproven allegations.
- Recommending removal from the shortlist is a prudent protective measure for project integrity.
- Immediate public disclosure of unproven allegations could be legally problematic and unnecessarily damage reputations.
Statement Analysis
- 1. Immediately disclose to public: Incorrect. Since allegations are unproven, immediate public disclosure could be premature, legally risky, and irresponsible.
- 2. Recommend removing contractor from shortlist: Correct. This protects project integrity as a precautionary measure through proper channels.
- 3. Propose limited disclosure to oversight committee: Correct. This balances transparency with prudence by using institutional mechanisms for review.