Right to repair in India: decoding the new repairability index for electronics

In a significant move to empower consumers and promote environmental sustainability, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has finalized the framework for a Repairability Index in India. This initiative, a core component of the broader Right to Repair movement, directly confronts the issue of planned obsolescence and aims to foster a robust circular economy. The framework, developed based on the recommendations of a committee chaired by Bharat Khera, was formally adopted in mid-2025 and is set to be rolled out in phases, beginning with high-volume electronic categories like smartphones and tablets.

The core idea is simple yet transformative: just as energy star ratings inform consumers about an appliance’s efficiency, the Repairability Index will provide a clear, standardized score indicating how easy it is to repair a product. This score must be displayed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) at the point of sale, on e-commerce platforms, and via QR codes on product packaging.

Fun Fact: India is the world’s third-largest producer of e-waste, generating over 3.2 million tonnes annually. The Right to Repair movement is a critical strategy to mitigate this growing environmental hazard by extending the life of electronics.

How the Repairability Index Works

The index assesses products on a five-point numeric scale, calculated by aggregating scores across six core parameters. This transparent scoring system is designed to shift market dynamics, incentivizing manufacturers to design more durable and easily repairable products.

Core Parameters of the Repairability Index

Mnemonic for RI Parameters: To remember the six core parameters, use the phrase: “Doctors Save Patients In Severe Trauma” (Disassembly, Spare Parts, Price, Information, Software, Tools).

This framework is a direct response to the rising tide of consumer complaints regarding electronics repairs, which surged from approximately 19,000 in 2022-23 to nearly 23,000 in 2024-25. By making repair a viable and accessible option, the government aims to extend product lifespans, reduce the financial burden on consumers, and generate significant employment in the independent repair sector.

Analogy: Think of the Repairability Index like a nutritional label for your electronics. It reveals what’s “inside” the product’s design, helping you make a healthier choice for your wallet and the planet.

Critical Policy Appraisal

While the Repairability Index is a landmark step, its implementation faces both challenges and immense opportunities.

Analytical Lens: UPSC Focus (Mains & Prelims)

Conceptual Basis

The legal and philosophical foundation for the Right to Repair and the Repairability Index is rooted in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. This Act empowers the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to protect and enforce the rights of consumers, which include the right to be informed about the quality and performance of goods and the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices like planned obsolescence.

UPSC Integration: Connecting the Dots

• GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): This topic is a classic example of rights-based policy formulation, consumer protection, and the regulatory role of government in a market economy. It involves evaluating the effectiveness of government policies and the challenges in their implementation.
• GS Paper 3 (Economy & Environment): It directly links to the concepts of a circular economy, sustainable development, and e-waste management. It also impacts the MSME sector (local repair shops) and raises questions about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) versus public good.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics): The principle of planned obsolescence can be analyzed as an issue of corporate ethics, while the Right to Repair can be framed as a move towards ethical consumerism and environmental stewardship.

Expert Analysis: Future Impact

The Repairability Index is more than a consumer-friendly tool; it is a strategic intervention to reshape India’s electronics ecosystem. In the long term, this policy will reduce India’s import dependency for new devices by fostering a domestic market for repairs and refurbished goods. It challenges the global economic model dominated by a few tech giants and aligns with India’s goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and environmental leadership. Its success will hinge on stringent enforcement and the government’s ability to balance corporate interests with consumer and environmental rights.

Prelims Practice Question (MCQ)

Question: The ‘Right to Repair’ framework in India, including the introduction of a Repairability Index, is primarily driven by the mandate of which of the following statutory provisions? (a) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (b) Competition Act, 2002 (c) Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (d) Information Technology Act, 2000

Answer and Explanation: (c) Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Consumer Affairs to protect consumer rights against unfair practices like planned obsolescence and to ensure consumers are fully informed about products, which is a core tenet of this Act.

Mains Sample Question

Question: “The ‘Right to Repair’ is not merely a consumer right but a cornerstone of a sustainable and self-reliant circular economy.” Critically analyze this statement in the context of India’s recently introduced Repairability Index framework. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Mind Map Outline (Revision Structure)

• Right to Repair & Repairability Index in India
  • Core Concept: Right to Repair
    • Definition: Empowering consumers and third parties to repair products.
    • Global Context: A growing international movement against manufacturer monopolies.
    • Primary Goal: To combat Planned Obsolescence.
  • Implementing Mechanism: The Repairability Index
    • Objective: To provide a transparent score on the ease of repair.
    • Governing Body: Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA).
    • Key Committee: Bharat Khera Committee (provided the framework).
    • Phased Rollout:
      • Phase 1: Smartphones and Tablets.
      • Future Phases: Other electronics and appliances.
    • Scoring & Parameters (Mnemonic: D-S-P-I-S-T)
      • Ease of Disassembly
      • Availability of Spare Parts
      • Price of Spare Parts
      • Availability of Repair Information
      • Software & Firmware Support
      • Availability of Tools
  • Legal & Policy Framework
    • Primary Legislation: Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
    • National Initiative Linkage: LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) Movement.
  • Critical Policy Appraisal
    • Challenges & Criticisms
      • Resistance from OEMs (IPR concerns).
      • Complexity in scoring and verification.
      • Need for consumer awareness campaigns.
    • Opportunities & Way Forward
      • Fostering a Circular Economy.
      • Reducing India’s E-waste burden.
      • Creating jobs in the MSME/repair sector.
      • Empowering consumers and promoting savings.
  • UPSC Relevance & Inter-Topic Linkages
    • GS Paper 2: Consumer Rights, Governance, Policy Implementation.
    • GS Paper 3: Circular Economy, E-waste Management, MSMEs, IPR.
    • GS Paper 4: Corporate Ethics vs. Environmental Responsibility.