All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects, relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action.

Which of the above would be most appropriate and why?

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

The most appropriate option is to firmly resist both pressures. He must counsel his son against seeking illegal favours. To the Minister, he should professionally advise that the project's success and reputation depend on a transparent, competitive bidding process as per the rules. This upholds the rule of law, his own integrity, and the foundational principles of impartiality and honesty. A public servant’s primary duty is to the public and the law, not to serve private interests, regardless of the pressure.

Answered By:

Sarvesh Jha

Sarvesh Jha is a seasoned government exam mentor with firsthand success in top exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, CDS, RRB JE, SSC CGL, BPSC, and CTET. Known for his deep conceptual clarity and strategic approach, he has guided over 5000 students through personalized mentorship. He has been creating well researched content for last 5 years.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?

  2. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit?

  3. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?

  4. In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?

  5. What should be Sneha's course of action?

  6. How would she justify what she chooses to do?

  7. In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?

  8. Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate.

  9. What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders?

  10. What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector?


Important Questions from GS4

  1. What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?

  2. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit?

  3. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?

  4. In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?

  5. What should be Sneha's course of action?

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC IFoS
November 22, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
662 Tests 3 Tests Free
1707 Attempts
4.8(203)
English, Hindi
More Questions from IAS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App