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have escalated to the tune of 30 per cent as a modest estimate in the postpandemic era. The Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) availed by consumers are capped at offering 10 per cent discount on labour charges extended to far and few exceptions. Replacement of parts and any consumable are billed additionally beyond the AMC purview. For instance, replacement of an exhaust could cost you an estimated Rs.8,000 while a repair could be a mere Rs.400 from a local welder, through the workshop. Running or not running, one has to visit the workshops to receive service in exchange of a timebound AMC contract typically for four services a year. The practice of repair has given way to replacement in the use and throw, day and age we live in. So much for a circular economy that is preached at every touch point in the customer life cycle!

Add to it the practice of using proprietary software and hardware over open source has made repairs difficult or near impossible sans the use of sophisticated tools and the prerequisite knowledge. For instance, even a 2011 hatchback in 2023 requires the mechanic to troubleshoot using a connected laptop in order to check the state of health.

Manufacturers are being blamed for encouraging a culture of “planned obsolescence” as per the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. It states that the system is such whereby the design of any gadget is meant to last for a particular time only and after that particular period, it has to be replaced. When contracts fail to cede full control to the buyer-the legal right of owners are damaged, it states explicitly.

Growing acceptance

The movement is known to be supported by a diverse set of stakeholders. Groups, professionals, environmentalists, and even consumer advocates are known to have extended their support. Some say the right to repair is important for promoting sustainability by reducing waste and extending the life of products, others say it promotes economic justice by supporting local repair businesses and empowering consumers to make their repairs. With several countries passing or considering right-to-repair legislation, including the European Union, Canada, and several US states, India the world’s largest population extending its support is bound to add to the might of all supporting it.

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) of India in March 2023 was among the latest to join global association leaders. Representing over 830 component manufacturers in India, it has extended its support to the critical, global movement. It signed the new rightto-repair position statement that lists the core beliefs of the movement and the objectives and intended outcomes of the right-to-repair legislation. The document set forth 10 best practice principles for developing a framework for the legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt to their needs. Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA states, “ACMA has joined this global movement to express solidarity with other international like-minded associations across automotive nations for unshackling the aftermarket.”

Further, it is very heartening that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India has already taken the initiative of creating a framework for the Right to Repair, he mentions. Legislation such as this will unleash the aftermarket in India and help it evolve into an organised sector, it is believed. It is noteworthy that while globally, the size of the aftermarket is as large as the OEM supply, in India, it is just 18 per cent of the overall USD 56.5 billion.

Acknowledging the significance of the global right-to-repair movement and the need for customers to maintain and repair the used product, Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre and Industries Ltd. explained how the tyre manufacturer has prioritised the needs of its customers while developing new products, providing them with valuable options. “Over the years, we have offered products with cuttingedge technology that is favourable for customers in the aftermarket.” The company has 50 Re-tread centres in the