This paper compares the theory and expectations of privatisation with the performance record of
privatised public services in several countries in order to inform and stimulate scrutiny of India’s determination to privatise MSWM.

Over the past decade, the Indian government has encouraged localities to privatise municipal solid waste management (MSWM),
an essential public service that local bodies have tended to perform inadequately. Surprisingly, the reasons for, and consequences of this major change in governance have been subjected to far less scrutiny than is warranted by its significance. This paper compares the theory and expectations of privatisation with the performance record of
privatised public services in several countries in order to inform and stimulate scrutiny of India’s determination to privatise MSWM.