Concept:Anonymity in the civil service means civil servants remain behind the scenes and are not personally exposed to public recognition or criticism for their official actions.
Explanation:Civil servants are permanent officials who serve different governments with varying policies.
Because they are neutral and not politically accountable, they cannot publicly explain or justify government decisions.
If they were praised or blamed in public, they might have to reveal advice given to ministers or criticise the government they serve.
This would break the trust between ministers and civil servants and compromise the principle of ministerial responsibility.
Thus, anonymity protects them from being publicly identified with the success or failure of policy.
They remain subject to the law and can be disciplined or prosecuted through proper internal procedures, but not through public praise or blame.
Answer:D. praised or blamed publicly.