ETHICS GS IV::29-FEBRUARY-2020

Q1. You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in Public Works Department. An RTI is filed to know about the allotment of tender to a company for construction of a bridge. While collecting information about the allotment process you came to know that the tender was under-priced. However, you also came to know that it was unintentional and was due to a calculation error which could not be detected during the scrutiny.

The under-secretary of the department who is an honest official with an impeccable record and is the final authority for passing the tender has requested you to iron out the deficiencies in your response. His argument is that elections are to be held soon and the company which has got the tender belongs to a relative of senior minister. He fears that his reputation and job as well as of others involved in the process of allotment is at risk. You sympathise with your colleagues and understand that such consequences are possible.

(a) What are the options available to you?

(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.