India's 'Right to Repair' policy must acknowledge and preserve tacit knowledge of informal repairers
India is advancing towards sustainable electronics with a Repairability Index and new e-waste policies, but the article argues that the 'right to repair' must also encompass the preservation of tacit knowledge held by informal repairers. This uncodified expertise, passed down through mentorship, is crucial for India's material resilience and circular economy. Current skilling programs and digital policies often overlook this informal sector, risking the loss of valuable knowledge. The piece advocates for integrating repairability into product design and procurement policies, and formally recognizing informal repairers through platforms like e-Shram to support their contribution to sustainability.
Key Points
- India is implementing a Repairability Index for mobile phones and appliances and new e-waste policies to promote sustainable electronics.
- The 'right to repair' should extend to recognizing and preserving the tacit knowledge of informal repairers.
- Informal repair expertise, often learned through observation and repetition, is vital for India's material resilience and circular economy.
- Existing skilling programs and digital policies often fail to accommodate or support this informal sector, leading to potential loss of expertise.
- The article calls for integrating repairability into product design, public procurement, and formally recognizing informal repairers via platforms like e-Shram.
Exam Facts
- Indian government accepted a report proposing a Repairability Index in May 2025.
- The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- India generated over 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2021-22, ranking as the world's third-largest producer.
- A Right to Repair framework was launched in 2022, followed by a national portal in 2023.
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