Q53 · UPSC Prelims 2026 · Set A · Art and Culture

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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 public2.Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project's integrity3.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:

Page facts
Exam
Union Public Service Commission — Civil Services Examination (UPSC)
Board
UPSC
Stage
Prelims
Year
2026
Paper
UPSC Prelims — Prelims General Studies Paper I (General Studies)
Booklet
Set A
Question
Q53
Topic
Art and Culture
Syllabus
Indian art, architecture, culture — Prelims GS Paper I.
A 1 and 2 only
B 3 only
C 2 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (b) 3 only

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2 only

    1 and 2 only: Immediate full public disclosure without verification or following institutional channels bypasses due process and administrative hierarchy, making this choice incorrect.

  2. B

    3 only

    3 only. Proposing a 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee while keeping unproven allegations confidential from the public balances administrative discretion, confidentiality, and institutional accountability.

  3. C

    2 and 3 only

    2 and 3 only: Recommending removal of the contractor directly based on unproven allegations without a formal inquiry violates principles of natural justice, making this choice incorrect.

  4. D

    1, 2 and 3

    1, 2 and 3: Including immediate public disclosure and direct removal based on unproven allegations ignores due process and administrative protocols, making this choice incorrect.

Summary. Official key is (b). The correct approach in bureaucratic ethics involves channeling unverified confidential information through internal oversight mechanisms rather than precipitating public disclosures or arbitrary punitive actions.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

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