The Government of India’s One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme promises to be a game-changer for academia. By providing access to nearly 13,000 e-journals from 30 renowned international publishers, the initiative aims to bridge the knowledge divide across institutions, from metropolitan hubs to tier 3 towns. Rooted in the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda, ONOS is poised to transform research accessibility, foster innovation, and position India as a global knowledge leader.
In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar sheds light on the aspirations, implementation, and future trajectory of this ambitious scheme.
How will ONOS improve research access for students, faculty, and researchers in government institutions, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities?
With ONOS, over 6,300 government higher education institutions and R&D institutions will gain access to nearly 13,000 e-journals from 30 major international publishers. This will open up a wealth of knowledge previously inaccessible to many, especially those in institutions with limited library budgets. ONOS will ensure equitable access across all regions of India. Whether an institution is in a major metropolitan area or a tier 2 or tier 3 city, everyone will have the same opportunity to access these critical resources.
ONOS will utilise a fully digital platform coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university centre of the UGC. This will ensure easy and convenient access to e-journals anytime, anywhere, with an internet connection, enhancing accessibility for all users.
How do you ensure the quality and relevance of the e-journals provided through ONOS?
The 13,000 e-journals accessible through ONOS will be sourced from 30 major international publishers with established reputations for quality and rigour. These publishers adhere to strict academic standards and peer-review processes, ensuring the credibility and reliability of the research published in their journals. The journals included in ONOS span a wide range of disciplines, from science and technology to humanities and social sciences. This breadth of coverage supports research in various fields.
While ONOS provides access to a vast collection of journals, it is also important to note that the quality of individual publications may vary. We encourage institutions and researchers to critically evaluate their journals, considering impact factors, peer-review processes, and relevance to their research areas. Let us promote responsible research practices and help researchers identify the most suitable and impactful publications for their work through ONOS. By promoting awareness and critical evaluation, we aim to ensure that ONOS remains a trusted source of high-quality scholarly information. We may explore adding newer journals to these subscription packages to keep the platform updated, relevant and reliable.
I want to reiterate that ONOS will prioritise quality and relevance in its selection of e-journals. By partnering with reputable publishers and offering diverse disciplines, we aim to provide a valuable and credible resource for researchers across India. We encourage institutions and individuals to exercise due diligence in evaluating journals and remain vigilant against predatory publishing practices. This collaborative approach will ensure that ONOS supports high-quality research and contributes to India’s growing prominence in the global academic community.
How will ONOS encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration across academic domains?
ONOS gives researchers access to journals beyond their immediate areas of expertise. This exposure to diverse perspectives and methodologies can spark new ideas and lead to innovative research approaches beyond disciplinary boundaries. ONOS provides a common platform for accessing information, promoting communication and joint exploration of research questions that require interdisciplinary expertise. The collaborative spirit is essential for addressing complex challenges that require expertise from multiple disciplines.
What challenges do you anticipate in implementing ONOS across 6,300 institutions, and how will these be addressed?
It will be crucial to ensure reliable internet connectivity and adequate IT infrastructure in all institutions, especially those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Learners can also use the Common Service Centres with the necessary infrastructure and internet connections.
Also, familiarising faculty, students, and researchers with the ONOS platform and its resources will require comprehensive training and awareness programmes. We are looking at the possibilities of developing user-friendly guides and conducting workshops for the audience. We will actively monitor the usage of ONOS across institutions to identify any disparities or challenges. A dedicated support system by the INFLIBNET will be in place to address user queries and ensure equitable access for all.
How will ONOS funds be managed and what mechanisms will ensure its transparency and sustainability after the initial period?
The ONOS initiative is an investment in India’s research future, and we are committed to ensuring its effective, transparent, and sustainable implementation. The INFLIBNET will manage the ONOS funds and coordinate subscriptions with publishers. This centralised approach ensures efficient allocation of resources and minimises duplication of efforts. We also plan to closely monitor the usage patterns and impact of ONOS across institutions. This data-driven approach will help us optimise resource allocation and ensure that the initiative effectively meets its objectives. We will be in constant touch with the institutions to improve the platform’s utility, access and quality.
We are confident that this initiative will have positive impacts. By showcasing that in terms of research output and innovation, we aim for its continued support. This includes tracking critical metrics like publication rates, citation impact, and collaborative research. We will continue to leverage the collective bargaining power of the Indian government to negotiate favourable subscription terms with publishers, ensuring cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
How does ONOS align with India’s vision for research and innovation as per NEP 2020 and Viksit Bharat 2047?
The National Education Policy 2020 highlights the significance of equitable access to quality education and research opportunities. Similarly, the Prime Minister’s call for “Jai Anusandhan” underscores the importance of research and development in India’s growth trajectory. The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) is in line with this larger goal. It ensures that all students, faculty, and researchers across India can access world-class scholarly resources, regardless of location or institutional affiliation. This creates a level playing field, promoting a culture of research and innovation nationwide.
Also, ONOS provides researchers with the digital tools to conduct high-quality research by being up-to-date with global knowledge creation. By facilitating access to a vast knowledge repository, ONOS will stimulate intellectual curiosity and encourage collaborative research across disciplines. Alongside NEP 2020, ONOS aligns with the principles of the Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda too. It is a strategic investment in India’s research and innovation capabilities aimed to transform the academic landscape and position India as a global leader in knowledge creation and innovation.
About The Scheme
The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme, announced by the Central government in 2022, is a transformative initiative aimed at democratising access to scholarly resources for researchers, faculty, and students across India. While initially scheduled for implementation in April 2023, the scheme faced delays and is now set to roll out. Aimed at strengthening India’s research ecosystem, the scheme will provide access to nearly 13,000 e-journals from 30 major international publishers through a unified digital platform. Coordinated by INFLIBNET, an autonomous inter-university centre, ONOS is expected to bridge the knowledge gap between institutions, ensuring equitable access regardless of location or budget.
On November 5, the Ministry of Education issued a directive to Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), advising them to halt journal subscription renewals until further instructions. The government has allocated Rs 6,000 crore for the scheme’s first three years, highlighting its significant scale and investment. The centralised portal promises a user-friendly interface to streamline access, covering over 6,300 institutions nationwide. By enabling seamless access to a wealth of academic resources, ONOS aspires to foster a culture of interdisciplinary research and position India as a global leader in innovation and knowledge creation.
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