The Value of the Portal to Consumers in India
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has set up a committee to come up with a Right to Repair framework. The framework is significant as it will give consumers a chance to repair their products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether. The important sectors for the initial focus of the framework are farming equipment, mobile phones & tablets, consumer durables, automobiles & automobile equipment.
Under this framework, it would be mandatory for manufacturers to share their product details with customers so that they can either repair them by self or by third parties, rather than only depending on original manufacturers. The framework also aims to help harmonize the trade between the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), third-party buyers and sellers - thus also creating new jobs.
It will help reduce the vast mountain of electrical waste (e-waste) that piles up each year on the continent and boost business for small repair shops, which are an important part of local economies.
It will save consumers’ money and contribute to circular economy objectives by improving the life span, maintenance, re-use, upgrade, recyclability, and waste handling of appliances.