Explained: What is the government's proposed ‘right to repair’ law and why it is good news for you

The government has proposed to introduce the 'right to repair’ law. The department of consumer affairs has set up a committee to develop a right to repair framework in the country. Under this regulatory 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 depending on original manufacturers."The pertinent issues highlighted during the meeting include companies avoiding the publication of manuals that can help users make repairs easily," the ministry said in a statement.
What are the products that will be covered under this 'right to repair'
As per the initial framework the products covered include mobile phones/tablets, consumer durables and electronic, automobile and farming equipment.
What is the aim of the 'right to repair' law
As per the ministry, the aim of developing a framework on right to repair is to empower consumers and product buyers; cut product obsolescence rate and reduce e-waste in the country. The law also aims to help harmonise the trade between the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and third-party buyers and sellers, thus also creating new jobs. "Once it is rolled out in India, it will become a game-changer both for the sustainability of the products and as well as serve as a catalyst for employment generation," it said
What will the companies be required to do?
Under the 'right to repair', companies will be asked to provide complete documentation and access to manuals, schematics and software updates to consumers. It will require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide consumers and independent repair businesses equal access to repair documentation, diagnostics, tools, service parts and firmware as their direct or authorised repair providers.
Which are the other countries that offer 'right to repair' to its citizens
The right to repair has been recognised in many countries across the globe, including the US, UK and European Union. Recently, the UK passed a law that includes all the electronic appliance manufacturers to provide consumers with spare parts for getting repair done either by themselves or by the local repair shops. Australia has repair cafes that are basically free meeting places where volunteer repairmen gather to share their repairing skills. Further, the European Union passed legislation that requires manufacturers to supply parts of products to professional repairmen for a period of 10 years.