Unleashing the right to repair

A collaborative effort between the government, OEMs, and third-party repair participants can kickstart the right to repair movement in India

- GOPAL JAIN

INDIA'S REPAIR CULTURE has long been a defining aspect of daily life.

From fixing kitchen appliances and mending shoes to refurbishing gadgets, Indians have historically favoured repair over replacement. This ingenuity, often described as “jugaad’, has thrived on resourcefulness and minimalism. Yet, this culture is under threat. Fast fashion and a growing use-and-throwmindset are shifting priorities, especially in electronics. This trend is fuelling India’s mounting e-waste crisis.

E-waste in India surged from 1.01 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2019-20 to 1.75 million MT in 2023-24, less than half of which is processed. It is also a critical issue globally, with sustainability advocates rallying to reverse this trend. For example, companies like iFixit, in collaboration with manufacturers, offer free repair guides for electronic products to make repairs more accessible. The nonprofit Sustainable Electronics Recycling International certifies organisations adhering to sustainable e-waste management practices. Community movements like repair cafés help people repair broken items while promoting skill-sharing and waste reduction.

Governments have responded to the growing need for repair accessibility by introducing right to repair (R2R) laws. The European Union, France, and a growing list of US states have adopted these regulations. R2R laws empower consumers to choose independent repair services and access affordable spare parts, giving more control over where their repairs are done. These initiatives aim to prolong device lifespans and reduce the need for disposal.