The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the “One Nation One Subscription” (ONOS) scheme marks a transformative step in democratising access to scholarly research in India. With an outlay of ₹6,000 crore over three years, this initiative aims to provide unified access to around 13,000 research journals from 30 international publishers to all centrally and state-run higher education institutions and research and development institutions. This ambitious plan, set to become operational on January 1, 2025, promises to bridge the knowledge gap and foster a culture of research and innovation across the country.
The ONOS scheme is a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a knowledge superpower. By ensuring that nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers have access to high-quality research publications, the government is addressing a long-standing issue of resource disparity among educational institutions. This initiative is particularly beneficial for institutions in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which often struggle with limited access to scholarly resources. The centralized subscription model, coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university centre under the University Grants Commission (UGC), will streamline access and reduce the financial burden on individual institutions.
One of the most commendable aspects of the ONOS scheme is its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat in 2047. The NEP emphasizes the importance of research and innovation in higher education, and the ONOS scheme is a concrete step towards realizing this goal. By providing access to a vast repository of knowledge, the scheme will encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration, essential for addressing complex global challenges.
However, the success of the ONOS scheme will depend on its effective implementation and continuous monitoring. The government must ensure that the digital infrastructure required for accessing these journals is robust and user-friendly. Training programs for faculty and students on how to utilize these resources effectively will be crucial. Additionally, periodic reviews by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will help assess the impact of the scheme and identify areas for improvement.
The ONOS scheme also presents an opportunity to address the issue of research quality in India. While access to international journals is a significant step forward, it is equally important to promote high-quality research within the country. Encouraging publications by Indian researchers in these journals and fostering a culture of academic excellence will be vital. The scheme should also include provisions for supporting open-access publishing, which can further democratize knowledge and make research findings accessible to a broader audience.