One Nation One Subscription Scheme Launched

The Government of India has introduced the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) scheme. This initiative aims to provide all centrally-run and state-run higher education institutions with access to a wide range of international journals. The scheme is designed to enhance research capabilities across the nation. It will allow institutions to access approximately 13,000 journals through a single national subscription platform.

Background of the Scheme

Currently, higher education institutions in India access journals through various library consortia. These consortia operate under different ministries. Additionally, many institutions subscribe to journals independently. The ONOS scheme consolidates these efforts into one unified platform. This approach is expected to streamline access and reduce costs.

Implementation Details

The ONOS scheme will be coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET). This autonomous inter-university centre operates under the University Grants Commission (UGC). The government has allocated ₹6,000 crore for the scheme over three years, until 2027. This funding will support the subscription to journals from 30 leading international publishers.

Beneficiaries of the Scheme

All government higher education institutions, including universities, colleges, and institutions of national importance, will benefit. Approximately 6,300 institutions will have access to the journals. This includes research and development institutions under the Centre. The scheme aims to provide equitable access to academic resources.

Included Publishers

The ONOS scheme features prominent publishers such as Elsevier ScienceDirect, Springer Nature, Wiley Blackwell Publishing, and others. This diverse selection ensures that institutions can access a wide range of academic disciplines. Institutions can also use their own budgets to subscribe to additional publishers not included in the scheme.

Anticipated Impact

The ONOS scheme is expected to broaden access to research journals. Institutions that previously faced financial constraints will now have improved resources. This initiative is anticipated to enhance research output and academic collaboration across the country. The platform will become operational on January 1, 2025.

Future Prospects

The scheme represents step towards improving academic infrastructure in India. By providing a unified access point for scholarly resources, it promotes a culture of research and innovation. The long-term impact on education and research quality will be closely monitored.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the significance of the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme in enhancing research capabilities in India.
2. Critically examine the role of the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) in the implementation of the ONOS scheme.
3. What are the potential challenges in the execution of the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. Explain the impact of centralized access to academic journals on the quality of higher education in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the significance of the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme in enhancing research capabilities in India.

1. Provides unified access to approximately 13,000 journals, improving resource availability.
2. Encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among over 6,300 institutions.
3. Reduces financial barriers for institutions previously lacking resources.
4. Streamlines access, making it easier for researchers to find relevant literature.
5. Promotes a culture of research and innovation across various academic disciplines.

2. Critically examine the role of the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) in the implementation of the ONOS scheme.

1. Acts as the coordinating body for the national subscription platform.
2. Facilitates central payments to 30 international publishers, ensuring smooth operations.
3. Supports higher education institutions in accessing a wide range of journals.
4. Enhances library services and resources through improved infrastructure.
5. Monitors the implementation and effectiveness of the ONOS scheme.

3. What are the potential challenges in the execution of the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Integration issues among existing library consortia and the new platform.
2. Potential resistance from institutions accustomed to independent subscriptions.
3. Technical challenges in ensuring seamless access to all journals on the platform.
4. Budget constraints for institutions wishing to subscribe to additional publishers.
5. Ensuring equitable access across diverse institutions with varying needs.

4. Explain the impact of centralized access to academic journals on the quality of higher education in India.

1. Improves research output by providing comprehensive access to scholarly resources.
2. Enhances the quality of education through updated and relevant academic materials.
3. Facilitates better-informed teaching practices and curriculum development.
4. Encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration among institutions.
5. Strengthens India’s position in the global academic community by increasing publication rates.