What does 'Divestiture' entail in privatization?

When discussing divestiture in the context of privatization, it specifically refers to the government completely exiting service delivery and management. This process involves the government selling or transferring its assets and responsibilities related to a particular service or function to a private entity. The essence of divestiture is the complete disengagement from control and operation, which allows the private sector to take over without government involvement.

This is a significant move in privatization because it signifies a strategic shift in how services are delivered to the public. When the government divests, it is essentially acknowledging that the private sector may be more efficient or effective in providing certain services. This approach is different from merely outsourcing services while still retaining ownership of the assets, maintaining oversight, or transferring certain rights while keeping other responsibilities. Each of these alternatives indicates some level of ongoing governmental involvement, which distinguishes them from the concept of total divestiture.