Context: The Committee on Repairability Index in Mobile and Electronic Sector submitted its final report to the Department of Consumer Affairs, proposing a consumer-friendly framework aligned with global best practices.
About Repairability Index:
What is the Repairability Index (RI)?
The Repairability Index is a standardized, self-declared score provided by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to indicate how easily a product, like a smartphone or tablet, can be disassembled, repaired, and maintained.
Features of the RI Framework:
- Self-declared by OEMs: No additional compliance burden; based on standardized scoring criteria.
- Covers 11 key components prone to failure (battery, display, camera, charging port, etc.).
- Evaluated on 6 core parameters:
- Rating Scale: Five-point numeric scale.
- Mandatory Display: At physical/e-commerce points of sale and via QR code on packaging.
Significance of the RI:
- Empowers Consumers: Facilitates informed choices and promotes transparency.
- Promotes Sustainability: Encourages mindful utilization over wasteful consumption.
- Supports Right to Repair: Complements India’s Right to Repair Portal launched in 2022.
- Strengthens Circular Economy: Helps extend product life and reduce e-waste.
Relevance to UPSC Exam:
- GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy Implementation:
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- Consumer protection, e-governance initiatives, and stakeholder consultations in policymaking.
- GS Paper 3 – Environment, Economy & Technology:
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- Sustainable consumption, circular economy, e-waste management, and digital product lifecycle management.
- GS Paper 4 – Ethics in Governance:
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- Accountability of private sector, transparency, and consumer rights ethics.
