Right to Repair
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Right to Repair

Syllabus:

 GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures.

Context:

Recently, the Department of Consumer Affairs announced that a “Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector” had been submitted to the government.

More on the News

  • Under the Repairability Index (RI), consumer electronics and household appliances would be assessed and assigned a score based on their ease of repair. Evaluation criteria include:
    • such as the availability of spare parts,
    • cost of repairs,
    • frequency and duration of software updates, and
    • accessibility of repair-related information.
    • The goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions and promote sustainable consumption.
  • The focus on repairability has grown due to the declining durability of modern appliances, often linked to cost-cutting, reduced metal content, and rising raw material prices.
  • In countries like India, which rely heavily on imported metals, repair-friendly designs can extend product life, support e-waste recycling, and reduce the need for virgin metal extraction.

Right to Repair

  • The right to repair refers to the ability of consumers and businesses to repair their own or have them serviced by third parties without facing restrictions from manufacturers.
  • It empowers consumers, reduces dependence on original manufacturers, and promotes sustainability.

Right to Repair Framework

  • The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has constituted a committee to develop a Right to Repair framework. This initiative aims to:
    • Allow affordable repairs by making product details accessible to consumers and third-party repairers.
    • Improve trade harmonization between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), third-party sellers, and consumers.

Right to Repair Portal India

  • In 2022, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has launched a right-to-repair portal that aims to improve accessibility of repair information across four sectors:
    • Automobile
    • Mobile and Electronics
    • Consumer Durables
    • Farming Equipment
  • Over 65 companies have joined the portal to share repair-related information.
  • Continued efforts have been made to use the portal for transparent dissemination of repair resources.
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