The Indian government recently unveiled the One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS) scheme, an ambitious initiative aimed at democratizing access to academic resources for Indian researchers, educators, and students. This groundbreaking scheme seeks to eliminate the paywall barriers of academic journals, making high-quality research material accessible to millions across the country.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the ONOS scheme entails and its potential impact on academia in India.
What is the One Nation, One Subscription Scheme?
The ONOS scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative launched by the Government of India to provide institutional access to global research publications and journals. It aims to create a One-Stop Digital Library, giving users from Indian public institutions access to a vast repository of academic material across various disciplines.
The scheme has received an allocation of ₹6,000 crore for three years (2025–2027) and will cater to students, academics, and independent researchers across central and state government institutions.
How Does ONOS Work?
ONOS simplifies the process of accessing academic resources by consolidating subscriptions to paywalled journals under a national subscription model. Here’s how it functions:
- National Subscription Model: All central and state-funded institutions will collectively have access to numerous research publications under a single subscription.
- Wide Publisher Network: Over 30 global publishers have already partnered with ONOS, including renowned names like Elsevier’s ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, Oxford University Press, and Cambridge University Press.
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 Access: The scheme specifically focuses on equitable access for students and faculty in smaller cities, not just metropolitan hubs.
Key Features of the ONOS Digital Library
- Vast Repository: The partnered publishers collectively offer access to over 13,000 e-journals, covering fields such as physics, microbiology, mathematics, chemistry, and humanities.
- Inclusion Across Institutions:
- Phase 1: 1.8 crore students, faculty, and independent researchers from over 6,300 higher education institutions and research institutes will gain access.
- Phase 2: Expansion to remaining public and private higher education institutes.
- Phase 3: Universal access across the country.
- Digital Platform: The ONOS database will be hosted by INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network Center), an autonomous platform managed by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Cost Savings: Indian academic institutions currently spend close to ₹15 million annually on journal subscriptions, which ONOS aims to drastically reduce.
Why is ONOS Important for India?
- Bridging Research Gaps:
- High subscription costs often make quality research inaccessible, especially for students and educators in financially constrained institutions. ONOS addresses this by providing cost-effective access to vital resources.
- Fostering Equitable Access:
- With a focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the scheme levels the playing field for students and researchers outside urban centers.
- Boosting Research Output:
- Easier access to global research will likely lead to improved academic output and innovation, strengthening India’s position in global academia.
- Learning from Global Models:
- ONOS draws inspiration from successful national subscription models in countries like Germany and Uruguay, which have significantly improved research accessibility.
Monitoring and Implementation
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), established in 2023, will oversee the implementation and usage of ONOS. The NRF will monitor how institutions utilize the subscription and assist in expanding its reach, especially in underserved regions.
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Future Plans
- Phase 1: Access for 1.8 crore users in government-funded institutions.
- Phase 2: Expansion to private higher education institutions.
- Phase 3: Making ONOS accessible to all Indian citizens.
Conclusion
The One Nation, One Subscription scheme is poised to revolutionize academic research in India. By breaking financial and logistical barriers, ONOS ensures that millions of students, educators, and researchers have access to world-class academic resources. This initiative not only strengthens India’s academic infrastructure but also fosters a culture of equitable learning and innovation.
With its far-reaching implications, ONOS is truly India’s answer to JSTOR—but on a much larger scale.
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