Introduction

The Right to Repair (RtR) movement advocates for consumers’ ability to repair and modify their own electronic products or access independent repair services at fair costs. As India confronts the dual challenge of rising e-waste and limited durability of modern appliances, the movement has gained policy traction with the introduction of the Repairability Index (RI) by the Department of Consumer Affairs in 2025.

Objectives of the Right to Repair Movement in India

1. Empower Consumer Choice: To provide users the autonomy to repair products independently or through third-party services, rather than being restricted to proprietary repair networks.
2. Promote Sustainability: Reduce electronic waste (e-waste) by extending the lifespan of devices and appliances through accessible and affordable repair.
3. Encourage a Circular Economy: Enhance reuse, recycling, and material recovery, aligning with India’s broader sustainability goals and SDG-12 on responsible consumption.
4. Reduce Repair Monopolies: Prevent manufacturers from monopolizing repairs by hoarding spare parts, restricting manuals, or penalizing third-party servicing.
5. Boost Local Employment: Support India’s informal sector and skilled technicians, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Significance of the Repairability Index

1. The Repairability Index (RI), developed by a government-appointed committee, scores electronic products based on factors like: Availability of spare parts, cost and ease of repair, access to repair manuals and software update policies
2. The index aims to inform consumers at the point of purchase and pressure manufacturers to design more repair-friendly products without impeding innovation or ease of doing business.

Understanding Planned Obsolescence in Electronics

1. Planned obsolescence refers to the intentional design of products with a limited lifespan, compelling consumers to replace them rather than repair them. This can involve: Lower durability components, inaccessible spare parts and software lock-ins
2. In India, factors such as rising metal costs, reduced copper content, and cost-cutting manufacturing have aggravated this issue. As noted by industry experts, older appliances last longer compared to newer models which often fail prematurely.

Differences in the Right to Repair Movement: U.S. vs India

In the U.S., legislations often challenge corporate monopolies (e.g., Apple, John Deere), while India’s DoCA approach is non-confrontational, focusing on building frameworks and digital platforms.

Responses to the Repairability Index

1. Consumer Advocates: While welcoming the RI as a step forward, they seek greater inclusion of independent repair services, as highlighted by Pushpa Girimaji, who condemned the refusal of lift repair services as exploitative.
2. Manufacturers: Generally resistant, citing concerns over loss of revenue, intellectual property, and safety standards. Globally, firms have lobbied against similar measures (e.g., McDonald’s-Taylor ice cream machine issue).

However, the RI committee’s inclusion of consumer voices hints at a balanced approach, unlike the RtR portal that previously favoured manufacturers.

Conclusion

India’s Right to Repair movement represents a critical juncture in ensuring consumer rights, environmental responsibility, and economic equity. The Repairability Index, if transparently implemented and linked with product labelling and public awareness, can become a transformative tool for both the market and environmental justice. Going forward, greater legal backing and public participation will be essential for the RtR framework to achieve its full potential.