The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme is a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Indian government to enhance access to scholarly research articles and journal publications across the country. Announced by the Union Cabinet on November 25, 2024, this scheme aims to provide students, faculty, and researchers in government-managed higher education institutions and research and development (R&D) laboratories with seamless access to a vast array of international academic resources.

Objectives of the ONOS Scheme

The primary goals of the ONOS scheme include:

• Broadening Access: The initiative will democratize access to nearly 13,000 e-journals from 30 leading international publishers, benefiting approximately 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers across more than 6,300 government institutions.
• Promoting Research: By facilitating access to high-quality scholarly journals, ONOS aims to encourage both core and interdisciplinary research, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
• Cost Efficiency: The scheme seeks to eliminate duplication of subscriptions among various institutions, thereby reducing overall expenditure on academic resources.

Leading International Publishers for ONOS

Here is the list of 30 prominent international publishers participating in this scheme:

Key Features of the ONOS Scheme

1. Comprehensive Access: The ONOS scheme will provide a unified platform for accessing thousands of scholarly journals, making it easier for users to find and utilize academic resources.
2. Digital Coordination: The subscription will be managed through the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring efficient management and streamlined access.
3. Budget Allocation: The government has allocated nearly ₹6,000 crore for the ONOS initiative over three years—2025, 2026, and 2027—demonstrating its commitment to enhancing educational resources.
4. User-Friendly Portal: A dedicated digital portal will be established where institutions can easily register and access journals without navigating multiple platforms.

Implementation Timeline

The ONOS scheme is set to launch on January 1, 2025, marking a significant step forward in India’s academic landscape. Institutions will be able to register on the unified portal to gain immediate access to the extensive collection of journals.

Benefits for Students and Researchers

The ONOS initiative is expected to greatly benefit students and researchers by:

• Providing equitable access to high-quality research materials that were previously difficult or expensive to obtain.
• Enabling collaborative research efforts across various disciplines.
• Supporting academic growth in underserved areas by ensuring that even institutions in smaller cities have access to essential resources.

Conclusion

The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme represents a transformative approach to enhancing educational access in India. By providing comprehensive access to international scholarly journals through a centralized digital platform, it aims to foster a culture of research and innovation across all levels of higher education. This initiative not only aligns with India’s vision for a self-reliant nation but also strengthens its position in the global research ecosystem, ultimately benefiting millions of students and researchers nationwide.

Reference

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2077098
• https://x.com/PIB_India/status/1861072453134622838