Policy Update
Anamitra Sinha
Background
In a landmark decision, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme. The initiative is set to revolutionize India’s higher education and research ecosystem by democratizing access to high-quality academic resources. As a Central Sector Scheme, ONOS aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes equitable and inclusive education to foster innovation and excellence.
The ONOS scheme addresses critical barriers in academic research by providing free, nationwide access to nearly 13,000 high-impact journals and scholarly articles. The scheme covers over 6,300 institutions, benefitting approximately 1.8 crore students, faculty members, and researchers. With an allocated budget of ₹6,000 crore for 2025–2027, ONOS is poised to remove financial and systemic hurdles, particularly for tier-2 and tier-3 institutions and rural regions.
Prime Minister Modi’s 2022 call for Jai Anusandhan emphasized the role of research and innovation in building a self-reliant and globally competitive India. This vision has been further reinforced by the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which oversees ONOS implementation. The scheme is integral to India’s broader developmental agenda, Viksit Bharat@2047, envisioning a knowledge-driven and equitable society by the nation’s centenary year of independence.
Functioning
The implementation of ONOS revolves around a centralized digital platform managed by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC). This platform serves as the backbone of the scheme, providing a single gateway for institutions to access a vast repository of academic resources.
The focus on accessibility and inclusivity ensures that institutions across India, irrespective of their location or financial constraints, have equal opportunities to benefit from these resources. Researchers and students in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, who have historically faced challenges in accessing premium journals, are now on par with those in elite institutions like the IITs and IISc. This nationwide reach is a key feature of the scheme, addressing both urban and rural disparities in academic resource distribution.
Monitoring and evaluation form a crucial part of ONOS’s framework. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) plays a pivotal role in overseeing the scheme’s implementation. Regular assessments will evaluate usage patterns, measure the scheme’s impact on research quality, and track contributions from Indian authors. These evaluations will help refine the platform and ensure its alignment with India’s academic and developmental goals.
To ensure widespread adoption and effective utilization, the government plans extensive awareness campaigns. The Department of Higher Education, in collaboration with state governments and ministries, will spearhead these initiatives. Training workshops, digital literacy programs, and user support systems will be critical in equipping students and researchers with the skills to navigate and utilize the platform effectively.
Impact
The potential impact of the ONOS scheme is both profound and multifaceted. By providing access to nearly 13,000 journals, ONOS eliminates financial and logistical barriers, democratizing the availability of knowledge across the country.
One of the most significant outcomes of ONOS is its ability to enhance the quality of research. Currently, India ranks third globally in terms of research output, but its citation impact remains relatively low. According to Scimago Journal Rankings (2023), India’s share in global research citations is 4.5%. With access to high-impact journals, researchers can engage with cutting-edge studies, enabling them to produce more impactful and interdisciplinary work. This improvement in research quality will not only elevate India’s global academic standing but also contribute to innovations that address local and global challenges.
Another transformative aspect of ONOS is its role in empowering underserved regions. Students and researchers in rural areas often face significant resource constraints, limiting their academic and professional opportunities. By ensuring access to the same resources as their urban counterparts, ONOS fosters an environment of equality and inclusion. This shift has the potential to bridge the urban-rural divide in education, enabling talent from remote regions to compete on a level playing field.
The scheme also aligns closely with India’s broader developmental goals. By fostering a culture of research and innovation, ONOS supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and contributes to the country’s aspirations under the Viksit Bharat@2047 framework. The emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative research further strengthens India’s position as a global leader in education and innovation.
Challenges
While the ONOS scheme is undoubtedly transformative, its successful implementation faces several challenges that need to be addressed proactively.
One of the primary challenges is the digital divide. Despite significant progress under initiatives like BharatNet, internet connectivity in many rural and remote areas remains inadequate. Reliable digital infrastructure is essential for the effective functioning of ONOS, and any gaps in this area could undermine its inclusivity.
Another concern is the lack of familiarity among students and researchers with digital platforms and academic databases. For many institutions, particularly in smaller towns, capacity-building initiatives will be crucial to ensure that users can effectively navigate and utilize the resources provided under ONOS. Without adequate training and support, the platform’s potential may remain underutilized.
The financial sustainability of the scheme is another critical consideration. While the ₹6,000 crore allocation is significant, ensuring long-term funding for the platform’s expansion and maintenance will require strategic planning. Partnerships with private and international organizations could play a role in addressing this challenge.
Finally, the negotiation process with international publishers must be managed carefully. Ensuring that the selected journals are relevant to India’s academic and developmental priorities is crucial for maximizing the scheme’s impact.
Way Forward
To address these challenges and realize the full potential of ONOS, several strategic steps must be undertaken.
Investments in digital infrastructure are paramount. Expanding internet connectivity to underserved regions and providing affordable access to digital devices will ensure that the benefits of ONOS reach every corner of the country. Initiatives like BharatNet should be integrated with the scheme to address connectivity gaps.
Capacity-building programs must be a priority. Workshops, tutorials, and dedicated user support systems can help familiarize students and researchers with the platform. Institutions should also appoint resource coordinators to provide on-ground assistance and facilitate the effective use of academic resources.
Collaboration and partnerships will play a crucial role in the scheme’s success. Encouraging joint research initiatives between institutions, both within and outside India, can foster a culture of collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration. Additionally, partnerships with private sector organizations can provide supplementary funding and technical expertise.
Robust monitoring mechanisms are essential for tracking the scheme’s impact. The ANRF should employ advanced analytics to evaluate usage patterns, identify challenges, and implement improvements. Regular feedback from institutions and users will help ensure that the scheme remains responsive to their needs.
Conclusion
The One Nation One Subscription scheme is a bold and visionary initiative that has the potential to transform India’s education and research landscape. By democratizing access to academic resources, it addresses long-standing disparities and fosters a culture of innovation and excellence. Its emphasis on inclusivity, particularly for rural and underserved regions, reflects a commitment to creating a more equitable society.
As India aspires to become a global leader in education and research, initiatives like ONOS play a critical role in laying the foundation for sustainable growth and development. While challenges remain, the scheme’s success depends on a collaborative and adaptive approach. With sustained efforts in infrastructure development, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, ONOS can redefine the way knowledge is created, shared, and utilized in India.
References
- India’s One Nation One Subscription deal enriches publishers and benefits few. LSE Impact Blog. Retrieved from https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2024/12/05/indias-one-nation-one-subscription-deal-enriches-publishers-and-benefits-few/
- Express Web Desk. (2024). Explained: What is the One Nation One Subscription plan? Indian Express. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/one-nation-one-subscription-9691391/
- Government of India. (2024). One Nation One Subscription: A transformative initiative for equitable access to academic resources [Press release]. Press Information Bureau. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2077097
- Ravindranath, M. (2024). India’s One Nation One Subscription plan explained. The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/indias-one-nation-one-subscription-plan-explained/article68938128.ece
- Research Information. (2024). One Nation One Subscription: Boon and bane. Research Information. Retrieved from https://www.researchinformation.info/analysis-opinion/one-nation-one-subscription-boon-and-bane/
About the Contributor: Anamitra Sinha, Policy Research Intern at IMPRI Institute and Master’s student in Development, Policy Planning, and Practice at Tata Institute of Social Science, School of Rural Development, Tuljapur (Off-Campus).
Acknowledgment: This article was reviewed by IMPRI experts and other collaborators.
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