New Delhi: In a significant move towards promoting consumer rights and sustainability, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India, has constituted an expert committee under the leadership of Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary, DoCA, to establish a robust framework for a Repairability Index. This initiative aims to empower consumers by providing greater transparency regarding the repairability of their products, while fostering sustainability within the tech industry.
The decision follows the National Workshop on the Right to Repair in the Mobile and Electronics Sector, held on August 29, 2024, which brought together industry stakeholders to discuss the framework for evaluating product components for repairability. The workshop highlighted the need for longer-lasting product designs, easier access to repair information, and the availability of spare parts, even after products are discontinued.
The Repairability Index is envisioned as a consumer-focused tool that will help individuals make informed purchasing decisions by offering insight into how easily a product can be repaired. As mobile and electronic devices are among the fastest-growing industries with the shortest product lifespans, this index aims to promote mindful consumption and increase product longevity.
Key Components of the Repair Ecosystem
The Repairability Index will be based on several critical components, including:
- Comprehensive Repair Information: Providing access to repair manuals, diagnostics, and necessary tools and parts.
- Accessible Spare Parts: Ensuring consumers can easily identify and order spare parts in a timely manner.
- Affordable Tools: Promoting the availability of low-cost, safe tools for repairs.
- Modular Design: Encouraging product designs that allow key components to be easily accessed and replaced.
- Economic Feasibility: Ensuring repair costs, including parts and labor, remain affordable for consumers.
By standardizing how repairability is assessed, the index will allow consumers to compare products based on ease of repair, ultimately creating a more transparent and sustainable marketplace. This initiative also seeks to bridge information gaps in the repair process, providing affordable repair options and enhancing consumer satisfaction.
Committee and Timeline
The expert committee comprises senior representatives from various ministries and industry bodies, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and key figures from leading technology companies such as Samsung, Google, and HMD Mobiles. Consumer activist Ms. Pushpa Girimaji and other industry stakeholders are also part of the committee.
The committee has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report by November 15, 2024, which will include a framework for integrating the Repairability Index into the regulatory environment of India’s mobile and electronics sectors.
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