January 15th, 2025 – GS4

You have recently been appointed as an Additional Director of the Public Health Department. The Department is implementing a scheme of providing piped drinking water in mission mode. 

One day a man approaches you with a complaint that his house has not received the drinking water connection, despite work in his village being 100% completed on the papers.

You called the village secretary to investigate the case and report to you. He reported that the work has really not been completed. You then investigated the other works of the same contractor and found out many discrepancies such as use of fake bills, supplying of stolen goods and fake completion letters of the works. You were amazed by the fact that even the experience letter of the contractor was fake and the clearances for his every work were only from the same two Engineers of your department.

You prepared a detailed report and presented it to the Director. He advised you not to put the report on record as the contractor is a close aide of the Health Minister. If you withdraw the report, then after his retirement you will be promoted to the post of Director, otherwise you may be transferred to a remote place.

1. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you?

2. Evaluate each of the options listed by you.

3. What are the Ethical dilemmas faced by you while exercising your options?

4. What mechanisms would you suggest for early detection and prevention of corruption in the public offices?