Which principle is essential for ensuring accountability in public service?

The principle of transparency in operations is essential for ensuring accountability in public service because it allows the public, stakeholders, and other relevant authorities to have clear visibility into the actions, decisions, and processes of public officials and institutions. When operations are transparent, it promotes trust and understanding among the community, as people can see how resources are being allocated, how decisions are made, and how policies are implemented.

Transparency helps discourage corruption and misconduct because it creates an environment where actions can be reviewed and scrutinized. This principle also reinforces ethical behavior by holding individuals and organizations responsible for their actions, fostering a culture of accountability. By ensuring that information is openly available, it empowers citizens to participate in governance and hold public servants accountable for their actions and decisions.

Other options like maintaining secrecy, avoiding criminal law, or restricting access to information can lead to a lack of accountability, as they prevent the necessary oversight and evaluation that transparency provides.