Q. 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
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : B

Explanation:

Statement I is not correct: Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public.

This statement is incorrect.

Reason

• The allegations are not legally established.
• Immediate public disclosure may unfairly damage the contractor’s reputation.
• Premature disclosure can create:
  • Public panic
  • Bias in decision-making
  • Legal complications

Public administration requires:

• Responsible disclosure
• Procedural fairness
• Verification before public release

Thus, direct public disclosure is not ethically or administratively appropriate.

Statement II is not correct: The allegations against the contractor are:

• Not legally proven
• Based on confidential information
• Unsupported by formal investigation or judicial findings

Removing the contractor solely on the basis of unverified allegations would violate:

• Principles of natural justice
• Procedural fairness
• Due process in public procurement

Public administration requires decisions to be:

• Evidence-based
• Legally sustainable
• Fair and unbiased

Statement III is correct: Propose a ‘limited disclosure’ to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being.

This is the most balanced administrative approach. It:

• Maintains confidentiality
• Ensures institutional oversight
• Allows verification of allegations
• Protects transparency without causing unnecessary reputational harm

This reflects:

• Accountability
• Ethical governance
• Administrative prudence
• Responsible transparency