‘One Nation, One Subscription’ Scheme Approved to Boost R&D in India

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) scheme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journal publications. This scheme aligns with PM Modi's vision for enhancing research and development (R&D) during India’s Amrit Kaal, a period focused on transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047.

Key Features of the Scheme

The ONOS scheme introduces a centralized, fully digital, and user-friendly process for accessing scholarly resources. It will be available to government-run higher education institutions (HEIs) and R&D laboratories under the central government. By consolidating subscriptions under a single framework, ONOS ensures seamless access to quality academic and research materials across the country.

Funding and Implementation

The government has allocated ₹6,000 crore for the ONOS initiative, covering a three-year period from 2025 to 2027. This substantial investment reflects the government's commitment to advancing education and research infrastructure. The scheme builds upon various initiatives launched over the past decade to maximize access to quality higher education and strengthen India’s research capabilities.

Boost to Research and Innovation

ONOS will complement the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in fostering a robust culture of research and innovation. It will provide benefits to all government-managed HEIs, research institutions, and R&D laboratories, covering over 6,300 institutions. This effort aims to impact nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers across disciplines, including those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, thereby promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Role of INFLIBNET in Coordinating Access

The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC), will serve as the central coordinating agency for ONOS. It will manage the national subscription, ensuring streamlined access to scholarly journals for institutions across the country.

Alignment with National Policies

The ONOS initiative aligns with key national goals, including Viksit Bharat@2047, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the objectives of ANRF. By expanding access to scholarly materials, ONOS supports the development of core and interdisciplinary research capabilities, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global knowledge hub.

Monitoring and Awareness Campaigns

The ANRF will periodically review the usage of the ONOS facility and the publications authored by Indian researchers at these institutions. To maximize the utility of this resource, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) will develop a unified portal through which institutions can access journals. Additionally, awareness campaigns will be conducted by the DHE and other ministries managing HEIs and R&D institutions.

State Government Participation

State governments will also play a critical role in promoting ONOS by organizing information campaigns at their level. These efforts aim to encourage students, faculty, and researchers from all government institutions to utilize the facility effectively.

Conclusion

The ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme is a transformative step toward democratizing access to academic and research resources in India. By enabling widespread access to high-quality scholarly materials, the initiative will empower researchers, educators, and students to contribute to India’s R&D ecosystem. As the country moves closer to its vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, ONOS is set to be a cornerstone in advancing education, research, and innovation nationwide.

                                                           #One Nation One Subscription #Viksit Bharat@2047