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The Indian government's recent launch of the 'One Nation One Subscription' (ONOS) scheme marks a significant step towards democratizing access to scholarly research within the country. With a substantial budget allocation of ₹6,000 crore spread over three years (2025-2027), the initiative aims to provide comprehensive access to a vast repository of research articles and journal publications to over 6,300 institutions nationwide. This encompasses a wide range of educational and research establishments, including central and state-managed higher educational institutions and central government research and development bodies. The sheer scale of the project, targeting nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty members, and researchers, underscores its ambitious goal of bridging the existing knowledge gap and fostering a more inclusive research environment.
The ONOS scheme is designed to address the longstanding challenge of unequal access to academic resources. Many students and researchers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities have historically faced significant limitations in accessing high-quality scholarly publications, hindering their ability to conduct advanced research and contribute to national development. By providing a centralized, nationwide subscription, ONOS aims to eliminate this disparity, leveling the playing field and encouraging participation from individuals across all geographical locations and socioeconomic backgrounds. This aligns perfectly with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes equity, quality, and accessibility in education.
The operational framework of ONOS is built around a dedicated online portal, managed by the Department of Higher Education. This centralized platform will serve as the single point of access for all participating institutions, simplifying the process of retrieving journals and research articles. The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC), will play a crucial role in coordinating the implementation of the scheme. Furthermore, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will be responsible for periodically monitoring the usage of the platform and evaluating the contributions of Indian researchers to the subscribed publications. This comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanism is essential to ensure the scheme's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
The ONOS initiative is not merely a technological solution; it represents a fundamental shift in the government's approach to research and development. It is a recognition of the crucial role research plays in driving national progress and a commitment to investing in the nation's intellectual capital. By supporting both core and interdisciplinary research, ONOS fosters innovation across a wide range of fields. It also complements existing government initiatives such as the ANRF, reinforcing the overall focus on promoting research and development within India. The long-term implications of ONOS are significant, promising to enhance India's global research standing and accelerate its journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy.
The success of ONOS will ultimately depend on several factors, including the effectiveness of the centralized portal, the ongoing support from participating institutions, and the active engagement of researchers. Addressing potential challenges, such as ensuring the accessibility of the portal across different technological infrastructures and promoting digital literacy among researchers, will be crucial. Furthermore, regular feedback mechanisms and adaptability to evolving research trends are necessary to ensure the sustainability and impact of the scheme. However, the ambitious nature of the project, coupled with the government's clear commitment, suggests a significant potential for positive transformation within India's academic and research landscape.
In conclusion, the 'One Nation One Subscription' scheme stands as a remarkable investment in India's future. By providing equitable access to vital research resources, it empowers students and researchers across the nation, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic research ecosystem. The scheme's success will not only contribute to national academic advancement but also position India as a significant player on the global research stage. The long-term impacts of this initiative are expected to extend far beyond the realm of academia, impacting various sectors and contributing significantly to India's overall progress.
Source: India launches ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme for universal research access