The district in which you are a District Collector had been badly hit by flood. Immediate rescue and relief operations were launched by you which were appreciated by the people and also the higher authorities. Subsequently there have been charges of corruption against you and your team of officials in purchase of relief material for the flood victims. You had anticipated this and had taken permission of the higher authorities to purchase material from market without tendering for it. There is pressure on you for getting an independent inquiry conducted, specially against your subordinates. But some subordinates feel that this will demoralize them as they had put in a lot of hard work and now inquiry will cast aspersions on their integrity. What would you do?

2.5 marks for choice (a) 1.5 marks for choice (b) 1 mark for choice (c) 0 marks for choice (d) Rationale/ Reasoning (a) Charges of corruption are best quelled by an independent inquiry. This is essential to restore public faith and also reflects belief in self as well as desire for bringing transparency. Though some officials may resist such an inquiry it still remains the best option. (b) Asking the Audit Division of the Government to conduct an audit though not the same as an independent enquiry, is reflective of desire for transparency and probity in your work. (c) Rejecting the demand may be reflective of your confidence in yourself and your team. However, it is likely to add fuel to fire. Although it saves some time and energy of administration in dealing with inquiry, it will lead to further speculation about corruption in the official ranks. (d) Option (d) is reflective of an escapist attitude. It neither helps in carrying out the work of administration nor in bringing transparency in the system. Principles/ Values tested   Readiness to be transparent and acceptance of probity in public life.