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.