You are the head of a committee which selects and presents a cash award and citation to young achievers in field of community welfare and social work. The proposed names for awards are first processed by a screening committee, which ascertains the facts and finalises the nominations. The committee deciding the award (headed by you) evaluates these nominations and then decides whom to award. You receive a complaint that the claim of social work by the winner of the last award was false. The work was actually done by somebody else which the awardee claimed as his own. Some photographs and old media reports have been furnished from which, prima facie, the allegation appears to be correct. Which of the following courses of action would you adopt?

2.5 marks for Option (c) 1.5 marks for Option (b) 0 marks for both Option (a) or Option (d) Rationale/ Reasoning Option ‘c’ is the best course of action. The screening committee which had ascertained the facts should first be asked to look into them. It is possible that the complaint is false and the evidence concocted. In such a case seeking explanation directly from the awardee would be embarrassing to the committee as well as the awardee. In case the complaint has merit, then the screening committee can seek explanation of the awardee and then recommend rejection of the complaint or withdrawal of the award. Option (b) is a premature act as highlighted above. However it is better than taking no action at all (Option d) or summarily demanding the surrender of award (Option a). Principal/Value Tested Appreciation of probity and transparency in public life Balance of judgement