One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
The Union Cabinet, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has taken a groundbreaking step by approving the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative. This Central Sector Scheme aims to provide comprehensive access to high-quality, scholarly research articles and journals for India’s academic and research community. With a substantial allocation of ₹6,000 crore for three years (2025–2027), ONOS is set to transform the research ecosystem, empowering over 1.8 crore students, faculty members, and researchers across the nation.
What is One Nation One Subscription?
The One Nation One Subscription scheme ensures centralized access to global scholarly resources, leveling the playing field for researchers across institutions in tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 cities. Coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center of the University Grants Commission (UGC), ONOS provides a seamless digital platform for accessing nearly 13,000 high-impact e-journals from 30 leading international publishers.
Significance of ONOS in the Context of Research and Development
Aligning with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of research and innovation in driving India’s educational and developmental goals. ONOS complements this vision by enabling affordable access to premium research materials, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary learning and groundbreaking innovation.
Boosting India’s Global Research Standing
By democratizing access to scholarly content, ONOS positions India as a formidable player in the global research ecosystem. This initiative supports the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, ensuring that Indian researchers can compete globally without resource constraints.
Strengthening the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
ONOS supplements the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), a government body focused on advancing R&D in India. Together, these initiatives create a robust infrastructure for knowledge generation, dissemination, and application.
Key Features of One Nation One Subscription
1. Broad Accessibility
ONOS enables over 6,300 higher education institutions and research and development (R&D) labs to access cutting-edge journals. This expansive reach empowers students and researchers from diverse disciplines, from STEM to humanities.
2. Unified Digital Access
The scheme operates via a fully digital, user-friendly portal managed by INFLIBNET. This streamlined access eliminates logistical barriers, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
3. Interdisciplinary Focus
ONOS promotes core and interdisciplinary research, facilitating collaborative studies that bridge traditional academic silos. Researchers can leverage cross-disciplinary insights to solve complex problems.
4. Economic Efficiency
With a centralized subscription model, ONOS reduces redundant institutional spending on journal subscriptions, optimizing public funds for maximum impact.
5. Inclusion of International Publishers
Thirty leading global publishers are part of ONOS, guaranteeing access to world-class journals that were previously out of reach for many Indian researchers due to prohibitive costs.
Impact on India’s Academic Ecosystem
Democratizing Knowledge Access
ONOS breaks down financial and geographic barriers, granting equitable access to resources for researchers across urban and rural regions. This inclusionary approach ensures that India’s research potential is not limited by infrastructural disparities.
Catalyzing Research Output
By providing access to premier journals, ONOS encourages high-quality publications and patents. This initiative is likely to increase India’s citation impact and elevate its global academic ranking.
Encouraging Collaborative Innovation
The scheme fosters collaboration among academic institutions, industries, and government agencies, enhancing the scope and quality of research projects.
Empowering Students and Faculty
Students and faculty members across tier-2 and tier-3 cities can now access the same resources as their counterparts in elite institutions, creating a level playing field for academic excellence.
ONOS and India’s Vision of Self-Reliance
ONOS directly contributes to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by nurturing a self-sufficient research ecosystem. Researchers can now focus on homegrown innovations and indigenous solutions, reducing dependency on foreign resources.
Implementation and Monitoring of ONOS
Digital Access Through INFLIBNET
The centralized portal, managed by INFLIBNET, ensures seamless access and efficient resource management. Institutions can log in to the portal to browse and download journal articles.
Periodic Reviews by ANRF
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will periodically review the usage metrics of ONOS. This ensures accountability and alignment with national research priorities.
Information Campaigns
To maximize usage, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) will conduct awareness campaigns, educating stakeholders about ONOS’s features and benefits.
Funding and Allocation
The Union Cabinet has allocated ₹6,000 crore for ONOS over three years, covering 2025 to 2027. This investment reflects the government’s commitment to creating a world-class research environment in India.
A Game-Changer for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
One of ONOS’s standout features is its focus on inclusivity. Researchers and students from smaller towns and cities will have unprecedented access to resources that were previously available only in metropolitan institutions. This will help bridge the urban-rural divide in higher education and research.
Future Prospects and Global Implications
ONOS is a significant step toward establishing India as a global hub for research and innovation. By enabling widespread access to knowledge, the initiative lays the foundation for breakthroughs in diverse fields, from healthcare to technology. It also strengthens India’s soft power by showcasing its commitment to fostering global collaboration in academia.
The One Nation One Subscription initiative is a revolutionary policy that embodies the spirit of Jai Anusandhan. By democratizing access to scholarly knowledge, the scheme will accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive research powerhouse. This visionary step not only supports India’s academic community but also aligns with the nation’s broader goals of innovation-driven growth.