The Indian government has introduced the 'One Nation One Subscription' (ONOS) scheme, aiming to provide nationwide access to scholarly articles and academic resources for students, researchers, and faculty.

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved the ambitious ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) scheme, aiming to democratize access to high-impact scholarly articles and journals for students, faculty, and researchers across India. This landmark initiative is set to provide unified nationwide access to academic resources, fostering a robust research and development ecosystem.

A Game-Changer for Academia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing the scheme as a “game-changer for Indian academia and youth empowerment,” emphasized its transformative potential during a recent statement. The ONOS scheme is being positioned as India’s equivalent of JSTOR, the widely-used American digital library for academic journals and books.

With a budget allocation of Rs 6,000 crore for three years (2025-2027), the scheme is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the scope and reach of higher education. This initiative aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritizes research and innovation as central to national development.

Key Features of the ONOS Scheme

1. Unified Digital Access A dedicated portal, ‘One Nation One Subscription,’ will serve as a one-stop access point for academic institutions. The platform will host nearly 13,000 high-impact e-journals from 30 leading international publishers, including Elsevier ScienceDirect, Springer Nature, Oxford University Press, and Taylor & Francis. The initiative ensures seamless and centralized access to these resources.
2. Wide Beneficiary Base Over 1.8 crore students, faculty members, and researchers across more than 6,300 institutions, including government universities, colleges, and research laboratories, will benefit from the scheme. This includes extending access to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, thereby bridging the academic divide between urban and rural areas.
3. Inclusion and Democratization By eliminating cost barriers, the scheme will empower institutions with limited resources, fostering interdisciplinary and advanced research across various fields. This democratization of academic access aims to create a level playing field in Indian academia.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will periodically review the scheme’s usage and track publications by Indian authors. This data-driven approach will help assess the impact and optimize resource allocation.

Operational Framework

The scheme, spearheaded by the Department of Higher Education, will be implemented through the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC). The portal is scheduled to go live on January 1, 2025, offering an easy-to-navigate interface for eligible institutions.

Additionally, state governments will conduct awareness campaigns to ensure maximum utilization of the platform. The central and state education departments will collaborate on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives to educate stakeholders about the scheme’s benefits.

Transforming Research and Development

The ONOS scheme is expected to significantly bolster India’s position in the global research landscape. By providing seamless access to cutting-edge publications, the initiative will:

• Facilitate innovation and interdisciplinary research.
• Strengthen the research output of Indian institutions.
• Enhance the academic experience of students and researchers.

A Shift from the Existing System

Currently, academic institutions rely on fragmented subscriptions, managed independently or through consortia under various ministries. ONOS will unify this system, offering a centralized subscription model that reduces redundancy and ensures cost efficiency.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite its promise, the ONOS scheme may face certain challenges:

• Technical Hurdles: Ensuring seamless integration and real-time access to vast databases could pose operational challenges. However, robust IT infrastructure and regular system audits are planned to address these issues.
• Awareness and Training: Many institutions, especially in rural areas, may lack awareness or technical expertise to utilize the portal effectively. State-led IEC initiatives and training workshops are set to mitigate this gap.
• Sustainability of Resources: The scheme’s success depends on consistent funding and partnership renewals with international publishers. Annual reviews and impact assessments will guide policy adjustments to sustain resource availability.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Academia: Professors and researchers across India have expressed optimism about the scheme. Dr. Kavita Sharma, a senior professor at Delhi University, noted, “The ONOS scheme will eliminate financial constraints, empowering scholars to focus on quality research without worrying about access issues.”

Students: Students, particularly those from underfunded institutions, are looking forward to a level playing field. Ravi Kumar, a postgraduate student in a Tier-3 city, shared, “For the first time, we will have access to the same journals as IITs and IIMs. This is a monumental step.”

Publishers: International publishers see the ONOS initiative as an opportunity to expand their readership in India, though they expect fair compensation for granting large-scale access.

Global Implications

India’s ONOS scheme could set a precedent for other developing nations. By demonstrating how a unified subscription model can bridge educational disparities, India may inspire similar initiatives globally, strengthening the global academic community.

Impact on Marginalized Communities

The ONOS initiative has the potential to uplift marginalized communities by providing access to quality academic resources. Many institutions in remote areas often lack the budget to subscribe to international journals. With ONOS, these regions will gain access to the same resources as their urban counterparts, enabling a more inclusive education system.

Enhancing Quality of Research Output

With access to top-tier journals and research papers, Indian researchers can produce work that meets global standards. This access is particularly critical for emerging disciplines such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate science, where staying updated with the latest findings is crucial.

Reducing Brain Drain

The scheme may also help curb the brain drain phenomenon. By equipping Indian institutions with resources comparable to global standards, researchers and students may find fewer incentives to move abroad for academic pursuits. This will strengthen the domestic knowledge economy and retain talent within the country.

Looking Ahead

The ONOS scheme marks a pivotal moment for India’s education sector. With its implementation, the government aims to cultivate a culture of research and innovation, fulfilling the NEP’s objective of positioning India as a global knowledge hub.

As the platform gears up for its 2025 launch, academicians and students alike eagerly await its promise to revolutionize access to academic resources, making high-quality research material accessible to all. The success of ONOS will not only redefine academic access in India but also serve as a blueprint for equitable knowledge dissemination worldwide.