27 Dec 2022 Right to repair portal
Right to repair portal
This article discusses Government policies and interventions in news in relation to the polity. In GS-2 and following content has relevance for UPSC.
For prelims: Facts about the portal
For mains: GS-2, Polity
Why in news:
- On National Consumer Day, the Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister introduced the “right to repair” portal.
- “Effective disposal of cases in consumer commission” was the focus of National Consumer Day in 2022.
About the Right to repair portal:
- The term “Right to Repair” refers to government law that aims to give consumers the freedom to repair and alter their own consumer electronic products, as opposed to situations where the manufacturer would otherwise force the user to use only the services the manufacturer offers.
- Many nations around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, have recognized the right to repair.
Background:
- A committee led by Nidhi Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, was established by the Union government in July 2022 to provide a thorough framework for the right to repair.
- The industries mentioned include Automobiles/Automobile Equipment, Consumer Durables, Mobile Phones/Tablets, and Farming Equipment.
- The framework aims to lessen the barriers put in place by some manufacturers so that people can fix consumer durables, mobile devices, and cars on their own.
- The framework will “alter the game” in terms of the products’ sustainability and act as a driver for the creation of jobs.
About the portal:
- Customers can access product information from the manufacturer on this portal so they can perform their own or third-party repairs rather than relying on the original manufacturers.
- Mobile phones, gadgets, consumer goods, cars, and farm equipment will all be covered initially.
- It protects consumers from manufacturers who might try to force them to utilize their services by limiting access to tools and components or putting up software barriers, preventing them from fixing and customizing their consumer goods.
- From this point forward, India will join a number of nations that provide this facility, including the US and the UK.
- Extending the life of appliances and enhancing their maintenance, repurposing, upgrading, recyclability, and waste management, it will benefit consumers financially and advance the goals of the circular economy.
About Nidhi Khare committee:
- The Department of Consumer Affairs recently formed a committee headed by Nidhi Khare to create a thorough framework for the right to repair.
- The framework’s goals include empowering local consumers and product buyers and coordinating commerce between original equipment makers and third-party buyers and sellers.
- Additionally, it strives to reduce e-waste and encourage the development of sustainable consumer habits.
Advantages:
- Increase the amount of business for small repair businesses, which are vital to regional economies.
- Consumers will save money as a result.
- The circular economy will benefit from it.
- The enormous mountain of electrical garbage (e-waste) that amasses on the continent each year will be lessened as a result.
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