The Right to Repair Movement

14.05.2025

The Right to Repair Movement

Context :
 The "Right to Repair" movement is gaining traction in India, advocating for the right of consumers to independently repair their products without depending solely on manufacturers.

What is the Right to Repair ?
This refers to government policies that grant consumers the freedom to repair or modify their own electronic products.

Core Objectives :

• It enables consumers to fix or upgrade products affordably, without being compelled to rely exclusively on manufacturer services.
• Originating in the United States through the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act of 2012, it mandates that vehicle repair information be accessible to consumers.

Proposed Framework:

• Manufacturers will be obligated to share repair information with customers .
• Consumers have the option to repair items themselves or seek third-party repair services .
• The proposal aims to strike a balance between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and third-party service providers .
• The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities within the repair industry.
   

Advantages of the Right to Repair:

• Bolsters local economies by supporting small repair businesses.
• Helps reduce electronic waste (e-waste) generation.
• Provides cost-saving benefits for consumers.
• Promotes a circular economy by extending product lifespans, supporting reuse, and enabling recycling and repair.
   

Potential Areas for Implementation:

• Agricultural machinery
• Mobile phones and tablets
• Household appliances
• Automobiles and related machinery
   

Why is the Right to Repair Crucial?

• Manufacturers often monopolize spare parts and repair designs, restricting consumer choice.
• Unauthorized repairs can void warranties.
• A lack of publicly available repair manuals and service information.
• The widespread issue of "planned obsolescence," where products are intentionally designed with limited lifespans.
• Products that cannot be repaired contribute to e-waste and encourage frequent repurchases.
• The movement aligns with India’s LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, which advocates for greater reuse and recycling.
   

Way-Forward:

• Ensuring that spare parts, repair tools, and diagnostic kits are accessible to individuals and third-party providers.
• Establishing a legal framework is crucial, particularly in rural areas where authorized services are scarce.

India’s informal repair sector can significantly benefit from formal support and access to quality repair resources.