By EFTeam In a landmark move to democratize access to academic resources, the Government of India has launched the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) scheme, effective January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to provide nationwide access to high-quality scholarly research articles and journals, benefiting approximately 1.8 crore (18 million) students, faculty, and researchers across more than 6,300 higher education institutions and government research and development (R&D) laboratories.
Key Features of ONOS
- Comprehensive Access: ONOS offers access to nearly 13,000 e-journals from prominent international publishers, encompassing disciplines such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), medicine, management, social sciences, and humanities.
- Centralized Platform: The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC), will manage the centralized platform, ensuring seamless access to subscribed journals through a fully digital process.
- Budget Allocation: The Union Cabinet has approved a budget of ₹6,000 crore for the ONOS scheme, covering the calendar years 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Objectives and Significance
The ONOS scheme is designed to eliminate disparities in access to scholarly resources between well-funded institutions and those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. By providing equitable access to academic materials, the initiative aims to:
- Enhance Research Capabilities: Facilitate both core and interdisciplinary research across various academic disciplines, fostering innovation and academic excellence.
- Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that students, faculty, and researchers from all regions have the opportunity to engage with high-quality academic content, thereby bridging the resource gap between urban and rural educational institutions.
- Support National Educational Goals: Align with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to cultivate a vibrant research culture and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.
Implementation and Access
The ONOS scheme will be implemented through a national subscription coordinated by INFLIBNET. Eligible institutions, including central and state universities, colleges (including medical colleges), and central government R&D institutions, will have access to the subscribed journals via the centralized platform. This streamlined approach is expected to reduce individual subscription costs and administrative burdens, promoting a more efficient dissemination of knowledge.
Global Context and Future Prospects
India’s ONOS initiative positions the country as a pioneer in providing nationwide access to scholarly resources. By negotiating a centralized subscription model, the government aims to set a precedent for other nations seeking to enhance research capabilities and educational inclusivity. The success of ONOS could potentially inspire similar models globally, contributing to a more interconnected and informed academic community.
Conclusion
The ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme represents a transformative step towards democratizing access to scholarly research in India. By providing equitable access to a vast repository of academic resources, ONOS is poised to enhance the quality of education and research, foster innovation, and bridge the gap between institutions across different regions. As the scheme becomes operational, it is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s academic and research landscape, contributing significantly to the nation’s development goals.