Inside a busy city administration office, Joint Municipal Commissioner Keerthi, who also serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO), faces a challenging situation. Recently, an RTI application has been received, demanding details about public infrastructure projects initiated during her tenure. Upon reviewing the requested information, Keerthi discovers that certain decisions made regarding these projects were not entirely sound in hindsight. These decisions, although taken in good faith and due diligence, failed to realise promised outcomes. There were other employees also who were party to this decision. The disclosure of this information could potentially lead to scrutiny and backlash against herself, the employees, and contractors involved. Known for her integrity and commitment to public service, Keerthi finds herself at a crossroads. Will the RTI act served as a critical check against administrative arbitrariness, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, she also observes a troubling trend: RTI applications are often used by vested interests and activists seeking personal gain rather than genuine public interest. Some activists even resort to threats or extortion tactics, undermining the integrity of the RTI process. She fears the requested RTI information could be similarly exploited. Moreover, the employees involved are requesting her to withhold the information. In navigating this situation, Keerthi weighs her options carefully. a. Critically examine the options available to Keerthi in the above situation. b. Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Keerthi and why? (20 marks, 250 words)

Linked PYQ

Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of service. He is posted as Administrative Officer in an Oil Public Sector undertaking. As an Administrative Officer he is responsible for managing and coordinating various administrative tasks to ensure smooth functioning of office. He also manages office supplies, equipment etc. Rajesh is now sufficient senior and is expecting his next promotion in JAG (Junior Administrative Grade) in the next one or two years. He knows that promotion is based on examination of ACRs/Performance Appraisal of last few years (5 years or so) of an officer by a DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) and an officer lacking requisite grading of ACRs may not be found fit for promotion. Consequences of losing promotion may entail financial and reputational loss and set- back for career progression. Though he also puts his best efforts in official discharge of his duties, yet he is unsure of assessment by his superior officer. He is now putting extra efforts so that he gets thumping report at the end of financial year. As Administrative Officer, Rajesh is regularly interacting with his immediate boss, who is his reporting officer for writing his ACR. One day he calls Rajesh and wants him to buy computer- related stationery on priority from a particular vendor. Rajesh instructs his office to initiate action for procuring these items. During the day, the dealing Assistant brings an estimate of Rupees Thirty Five Lakhs covering all stationery items from the same vendor. It is noticed that as per delegated financial powers, as provided in the GFR (General Financial Rules) as applicable in that Organisation, expenditure for office items exceeding Rupees Thirty Lakhs requires sanction of the next higher authority (boss in the present case). Rajesh knows that immediate superior would expect all these purchases should be done at his level and may not appreciate such lack of initiative on his part. During discussions with office, he learns that common practice of splitting of expenditure (where large order is divided into a series of smaller ones) is followed to avoid obtaining sanction from higher authority. This practice is against the rules and may come to the adverse notice of Audit. Rajesh is perturbed. He is unsure of taking decision in the matter. (a) What are the options available with Rajesh in the above situation ? (b) What are the ethical issues involved in this case ? (c) Which would be the most appropriate option for Rajesh and why ?