Why in news?
India’s Department of Consumer Affairs announced that a “repairability index” will soon be introduced for consumer electronics. The index is part of a broader push to recognise the right to repair as a consumer right, ensuring that people can fix their own devices or seek affordable third‑party services without being locked into proprietary repair chains.
Background and context
The right to repair movement began in the West and has gained momentum worldwide as electronic gadgets become more complex and expensive. Advocates argue that manufacturers limit access to spare parts, diagnostic tools and service manuals, forcing consumers to purchase new products prematurely and generating vast quantities of e‑waste. In India a vibrant informal repair economy exists—small shops, street‑side technicians and skilled artisans who pass their knowledge down through generations. However, this sector often lacks recognition, legal protection and integration with emerging digital policies.
Why repair matters beyond consumer rights
- Cultural and tacit knowledge: Repair shops preserve hands‑on expertise and local innovations that seldom feature in formal curricula. Losing them would erode a valuable knowledge base.
- Livelihoods and inclusion: Millions of people, particularly in urban informal sectors, earn their living by repairing electronics, appliances and vehicles; recognising their work supports economic inclusion and decent work.
- Environmental benefits: Extending product life reduces demand for raw materials and lowers the volume of e‑waste, aligning with India’s commitments to sustainable development and circular economy principles.
- Digital sovereignty: Empowering consumers to repair devices without dependence on corporate service centres strengthens individual autonomy and reduces monopolistic practices.
Policy gaps and challenges
- Narrow e‑waste rules: Current regulations focus on disposal rather than designing products for repair and reuse.
- Skilling programmes: Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana emphasise new manufacturing skills but do not adequately support traditional repair workers or certify their competencies.
- Digital and AI policy: India’s emerging standards for artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure rarely mention repairability or the rights of informal workers.
- Education and awareness: School curricula and technical institutes pay little attention to repair literacy, leading to a decline in do‑it‑yourself culture among consumers.
Steps towards a repair‑friendly ecosystem
- Embedding repairability: Mandate that products carry labels indicating ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts and expected product life. This enables consumers to make informed choices.
- Recognition and skilling: Provide official recognition and training programmes for local repairers, including certification that facilitates access to formal supply chains.
- Preserving tacit knowledge: Use digital tools and artificial intelligence to document and disseminate the practical knowledge held by veteran repairers, ensuring that techniques are not lost.
- Policy convergence: Harmonise consumer‑affairs regulations, labour laws and environmental policies to support repair work, and involve local governments in waste‑management strategies that emphasise reuse and refurbishing.
Recognising the right to repair is not just about consumer choice; it is about sustaining a culture of resourcefulness, supporting livelihoods and pursuing environmental justice. By adopting a holistic approach that values both high‑tech innovation and low‑tech wisdom, India can build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.