Multiple choice

As a District Collector you receive a complaint regarding embezzlement and other malpractices in the ‘Food for Work’ programme running in your district. It is alleged that a cartel of contractors who are close to the ruling party are in control of the entire programme. They are either not distributing the food grains or distributing lesser quantities of food grain while taking receipts from workers and raising the bill for the full amount. Your subordinate officials feel that the complaint is politically motivated as elections are due in the State in the next six months and the people in question enjoy immense political patronage. They suggest that to buy time the complaint be forwarded to the Commissioner and his directions be sought. What would you consider the best course of action?

  1. Call the contractors and officials in question and direct them to mend their ways otherwise you will be forced to take action

  2. Seek directions of Commissioner as suggested by the subordinate officials and buy time

  3. Scrutinise the accounts of the scheme yourself but not order an inquiry as you would have to face political pressure

  4. Order and inquiry despite possibility of political pressure
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

2.5 marks for Option (d) 1.5 marks for Option (b) 0 marks for Option (a) or (c) Rationale/ Reasoning (d) In the case of a serious allegation of a scam, it is best to order an enquiry. This is essential to detect and book the culprits, if any and save the government’s exchequer from being drained any further. Not doing so may also be interpreted as a sign of complicity of the authorities who over-looked to do so. (b) Option (b) is not the best course of action. But it is a better course of action than the other two options. By reporting the matter to Commissioner and seeking his directions, at least you are keeping your own slate clear. (a) & (c) Calling the contractors/officials and chiding them or scrutinising the accounts yourself would not help in bringing the wrong doers in the folds of law or in recovering the looted money. The best course of action is to order an enquiry. Principle/ Value Tested Conviction to take seemingly tough decisions in the call of duty              

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