Ms. X, a civil service official, received confidential but unproven information about a contractor's

Question

Ms. X, a civil service official, received confidential but unproven information about a contractor's poor workmanship history. Her HOD advised non-disclosure to avoid project delays. What should Ms. X do? 1. Immediately disclose to project committee and public. 2. Recommend removing the contractor. 3. Propose 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee, keeping it confidential from public for now.

Accepted Answer

Immediately disclosing unverified confidential information to the public violates CCS (Conduct) Rules and could cause defamation/legal issues. Removing the contractor on unproven allegations violates due process and natural justice. The correct approach is limited disclosure to an oversight/vigilance committee — this balances transparency with confidentiality, allows proper investigation through institutional channels, and avoids unnecessary project delays.