REPAIRABILITY INDEX FOR CONSUMER DURABLES - ECONOMY

Repairability Index for Consumer Durables - economy

NEWS: The Repairability Index is being developed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

  • Similar to the energy efficiency star-rating system, it will assess products based on how easily they can be repaired.
  • Aims to empower consumers to extend the usability of their products and reduce waste.

Objectives of the Repairability Index

  • Promote the availability of spare parts and essential components in the market.
  • Ensure manufacturers are accountable for after-sales service deficiencies.
  • Reduce the practice of planned obsolescence, where older product models are rendered obsolete.
  • Help consumers make informed purchasing decisions by understanding a product's reliability and repairability.

Key Stakeholders Involved

  • Development of the index will involve:

·         Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

·         Ministry of Environment.

·         Industry bodies, manufacturers, and consumer groups.

  • Collaborative approach ensures alignment with industry standards and consumer needs.

Features of the Repairability Index

  • Products with higher repairability will receive better ratings.
  • Manufacturers will be required to:

·         Establish service centres nationwide.

·         Provide repair services within a specified timeline.

  • The index will cover all product categories, including consumer durables and vehicles.

Addressing Consumer Complaints

  • Numerous complaints about:
    • Long delays (up to 45 days) in spare part shipments.
    • Poor after-sales service from multinational companies.
  • The initiative aims to address such issues and improve consumer satisfaction.

Challenges in After-Sales Service

  • Significant backlog of 5 lakh cases in consumer courts highlights inefficiencies in the service sector.
  • Consumers face lengthy wait times for repairs and unreliable services.

Expected Benefits of the Repairability Index

  • Empower consumers:
    • Enable them to make informed choices based on repairability ratings.
  • Foster competition:
    • Encourage manufacturers to improve services and ensure the availability of spare parts to achieve higher ratings.
  • Improve transparency:
    • Hold manufacturers accountable for after-sales service quality and spare part availability.

Expert Opinions

  • Union Minister Pralhad Joshi:
    • India should not be a dumping ground for inferior-quality products.
    • Delays in repair services are unacceptable and must be addressed.
  • Ranjeet Ranjan:
    • Repairability ratings will improve reliability and repairability of products.
    • A robust system is needed to enforce this initiative.
  • Ashim Sanyal:
    • A well-defined index ensures transparency and accountability from manufacturers.
    • Enhances consumer trust in the service ecosystem.

Future Implications

  • The Repairability Index is a step toward:

·         Sustainable consumption.

·         Improved consumer rights.

·         Enhancing manufacturer accountability and after-sales service standards in India.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/repairability-index-for-goods-to-rate-ease-of-repairs-like-star-ratings-for-energy-efficiency-pralhad-joshi-11734600401464.html