One Nation One Subscription: Empowering India’s Research Ecosystem

02.01.2025

One Nation One Subscription: Empowering India’s Research Ecosystem

Why in the news?                        

The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative is a landmark step aimed at democratizing access to global scholarly knowledge in India. It aligns with the broader goals of NEP 2020 and ViksitBharat@2047.

Implementation of ONOS:

• Role of INFLIBNET: The Information and Library Network Centre under UGC will centrally manage the subscription and distribution, ensuring seamless digital access to resources. A centralized platform will simplify access and reduce administrative burdens.
• Funding: A ₹6,000 crore budget has been allocated for the scheme’s first phase (2025–2027).
• Phase I (2025–2027): Establish the framework, provide access to research materials, and negotiate Article Processing Charges (APCs) for Indian researchers.

Benefits of the One Nation One Subscription:

• Democratization of Knowledge: Provides equitable access to international research resources across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, addressing regional disparities in research opportunities.
• Boosts Research Quality: Access to high-quality journals enhances research capabilities, enabling Indian researchers to contribute to cutting-edge global innovations.
• Cost Efficiency: Centralized funding reduces duplication of subscriptions by individual institutions, saving costs for HEIs and research centers.
• Discounts on Article Processing Charges (APCs) make publishing in high-impact journals more accessible.
• Fosters Collaboration: Integration with global research communities promotes interdisciplinary and international collaborations, elevating India’s global research footprint.
• Support for National Development: Enhances India’s R&D ecosystem, supporting innovation in critical areas like STEM, medicine, and social sciences, which are pivotal for economic growth and self-reliance.
• Improved Academic Infrastructure: Complements initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), creating a more robust research infrastructure.

Challenges

• Administrative Complexity: Coordinating access for 6,300 institutions with diverse needs may pose significant logistical and administrative challenges.
• Digital Divide: Effective utilization of digital resources may be hindered by infrastructure gaps in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, such as unreliable internet connectivity or lack of digital literacy.
• Limited Scope: The scheme covers only select international journals, and many researchers might still require access to resources not included in Phase I.
• Sustainability: Long-term funding for such a large-scale initiative requires careful planning to ensure it remains viable without compromising quality.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Measuring the actual impact of the initiative on research output and innovation can be challenging.
• Dependency on Global Publishers: Heavily relying on foreign publishers may limit India’s leverage in negotiations and could lead to higher costs over time.

                                                                     Source: PIB

Which organization is responsible for the implementation and coordination of the ONOS initiative?

A.National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

B.All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)

C.Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET)

D.Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Answer C