In a significant move to enhance access to scholarly resources, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) scheme. This initiative aims to provide nationwide access to research articles and journal publications for higher educational institutions and research and development (R&D) institutions across India.
Overview of the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ Scheme
The ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme is designed as a Central Sector Scheme with a budget allocation of ₹6,000 crore for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027. The initiative will facilitate access to a vast repository of academic resources, thereby fostering a culture of research and innovation in Indian higher education.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Enhance Access: The scheme aims to democratize access to scholarly articles and journals, benefiting over 6,300 institutions managed by central or state governments.
- Support Research and Innovation: It will supplement existing initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), promoting research in government universities, colleges, and R&D laboratories.
- User-Friendly Digital Access: The scheme will utilize a fully digital process to ensure easy access for students, faculty, and researchers.
Key Features of the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ Scheme
- Widespread Beneficiaries: Nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty members, and researchers across various disciplines will benefit from this initiative. The scheme targets institutions in both urban and rural areas, including tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
- Coordinated by INFLIBNET: The implementation of the ONOS scheme will be coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Access to Scholarly Journals: Institutions will gain access to approximately 13,000 journals published by major international publishers such as Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and others.
- Unified Portal for Access: A dedicated portal named “One Nation One Subscription” will be established to provide centralized access to these journals.
Implementation Strategy
The Department of Higher Education plans to conduct comprehensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns to raise awareness about the ONOS scheme among students and faculty. This proactive approach aims to maximize usage of the subscription facility across all eligible institutions.
Monitoring and Review
The ANRF will periodically review the usage of the ONOS scheme and assess the publication contributions from Indian authors affiliated with these institutions. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for optimizing the impact of the initiative.
Conclusion
The ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme represents a transformative step towards enhancing academic resources in India. By providing unified access to scholarly journals and research articles, this initiative is set to significantly bolster research capabilities across higher education institutions. It aligns with broader national goals such as Viksit Bharat@2047 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering a robust research environment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or educational advice. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant authorities or experts for detailed guidance.
