UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 76 of 96
UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Accountability Vaccination Misconduct
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2026
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicGovernance
- DifficultyEasy
- TypeDirect
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?
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Answer: C. Accountability
Mr. X's decision to report the misconduct to the vigilance authority and suspend the compromised contract, despite pressure from vested interests, represents a clear example of the principle of accountability in public administration. Accountability implies that a public servant is answerable for his or her actions, decisions, and administrative outcomes, particularly when public welfare and integrity of governance are at stake.
By acting against malpractice and prioritising citizen welfare over external pressure, Mr. X upheld transparency, ethical responsibility, and institutional integrity, which are core elements of accountable governance.
The other options are less appropriate in the given context. Esprit de corps refers to team spirit, harmony, and unity among members of an organisation. Equity relates to fairness, justice, and impartial treatment of individuals and groups. Delegation refers to the transfer of authority and responsibility from a superior to a subordinate.
None of these principles adequately captures the act of taking responsibility for exposing wrongdoing and ensuring ethical administration. Hence option (c) is correct.