Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provi…

Ethics ·Previously asked in Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination 2026

View the full solved paper: GS Paper I 2026

Question

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
  2. B. Equity
  3. C. Accountability (Correct answer)
  4. D. Delegation

Correct Answer

Option C — C

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option C.

Key Points

  • Mr. X detected quality compromise by a vendor, resisted pressure from vested interests, reported the matter to the vigilance authority and halted the contract to protect citizens.
  • By owning the responsibility of his office and being answerable for the programme's integrity — and holding the vendor answerable — he most strongly demonstrated accountability: the obligation of a public servant to act in the public interest and to be answerable for decisions and outcomes.
  • Why the others are weaker:
  • Esprit de corps (A): team spirit and unity among staff — not what this action shows.
  • Equity (B): fairness and impartial treatment of citizens — relevant to administration generally, but not the specific virtue on display here.
  • Delegation (D): assigning authority to subordinates — not involved.
  • accountability underpins probity in governance and is closely tied to transparency and the courage to act against wrongdoing (moral courage / whistle-blowing).

Exam Tip

  • 'reported to vigilance + took corrective action despite pressure' maps directly to accountability.