Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine distribution was compromising on quality to make profits. Despite immense pressure to manage the issue due to vested interests, he raised his voice based on the principles of public administration which he learnt during various training programmes attended across his career. He reported the issue to the appropriate vigilance authority and halted the contract to ensure citizen welfare. Which one among the following principles of public administration was most strongly demonstrated by Mr. X's actions?

1. A

   Esprit de corps

   Esprit de corps refers to the spirit of loyalty, union, and devotion among the members of a group or organization, which is not the primary principle demonstrated when an officer reports corruption and halts a contract to protect citizen welfare.

2. B

   Equity

   Equity in public administration implies fairness, impartiality, and non-discrimination in the delivery of public services and distribution of resources, rather than the duty to answer for administrative actions and ensure integrity.

3. C

   Accountability

   Accountability is the fundamental principle requiring public officials to answer for their actions, report wrongdoings, ensure proper execution of public duties, and prioritize citizen welfare over vested interests, as demonstrated by Mr. X.

4. D

   Delegation

   Delegation involves the transfer of authority and responsibility from a superior to a subordinate for efficient task execution, which does not capture an officer's act of reporting quality compromise and halting a fraudulent contract. Summary. Official key is (c) because public accountability compels officials to report irregularities and safeguard public interest during a crisis, whereas esprit de corps, equity, and delegation address organizational morale, fairness, and task distribution respectively.

Summary. Official key is (c) because public accountability compels officials to report irregularities and safeguard public interest during a crisis, whereas esprit de corps, equity, and delegation address organizational morale, fairness, and task distribution respectively.