Principles of Public Administration

The correct answer is (c). Accountability in public administration dictates that civil servants are fully answerable for their official actions, the enforcement of statutory quality controls, and the safeguarding of public welfare against corruption or corporate malpractice. By halting the compromised contract, resisting illicit external pressure, and formally reporting the malpractice to a vigilance authority, Mr. X acted as a responsible trustee of public health, directly embodying the principle of administrative accountability. 'Esprit de corps' refers to team harmony, 'Equity' implies fairness in treatment, and 'Delegation' means sharing operational authority, none of which capture the act of holding a corrupt entity answerable.