Access to quality resource materials remains a critical challenge for students and research scholars, particularly in the remote corners of India. While the digital age has transformed the way information is disseminated, physical libraries continue to be the cornerstone of academic excellence. Yet, these essential knowledge hubs are increasingly becoming relics of the past, accessible only to a privileged few associated with national institutions and selected universities. So far, every agency in the country has subscribed to its own digital library resources. The access to subscription journals were being acquired through different library consortia of government departments, academic and R & D institutions; and through individual subscriptions by various higher education and R & D institutions.
The major 10 library consortia were, E-Shodh Sindhu (ESS) Consortium under Department of Higher Education (DHE), National Knowledge Resource Consortium (NKRC) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), DERCON Consortium under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), CERA Consortium under the Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE), DRDO Consortium under Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D), Electronic Resources in Medicine (ERMED) Consortium under Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), DeLCON Consortium for Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and North-Eastern Region Institutes, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) consortium, and Department of Space (DoS) consortium.
In addition, many higher education institutions used to subscribe to some of the journals of these publishers at the institution level. Despite crores of rupees being spent, these e-resources are often limited to the users of the host institute alone, even though they are funded through public money.
The ambitious One Nation One Subscription initiative, if implemented effectively, has the potential to address this disparity and revitalise the educational landscape.
THE ENDANGERED LIBRARY CULTURE
Despite technological advancements, access to quality academic resources is not democratised in India. Libraries in most colleges and universities face an alarming decline for various reasons, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of interest among younger generations in visiting libraries and shrinking funds has exacerbated this crisis. Even more troubling is the absence of qualified and motivated library professionals. An efficient librarian can transform a library into a vibrant intellectual space. Unfortunately, in many public institutions, mainly libraries associated with national institutions, library staff often lack the enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to create a welcoming environment for readers. This, in turn, alienates even the most genuine readers who, despite the odds, make the effort to visit libraries.
A lack of support and an uninviting atmosphere can deter students and researchers from making libraries their go-to space for academic and intellectual pursuits, further eroding the library culture that is already under threat. For researchers in remote areas, the challenges are magnified manifold. Access to quality library resources is limited, and obtaining journal subscriptions is often prohibitively expensive. Even if libraries in such regions attempt to procure subscriptions, budget constraints and lack of negotiation power render this effort futile. Researchers are forced to rely on outdated textbooks, local resources, or open-access journals, which often lack the comprehensive information required for cutting-edge research. The absence of access to top-tier international journals and databases significantly hinders their ability to contribute to global academic discourse. In such circumstances, One Nation One Subscription could serve as a game-changer, bringing parity to researchers across India, irrespective of their geographic location.
DIGITAL TECH & ACCESS TO RESOURCES
Research resources have undergone a remarkable evolution over the decades. In the past, abstracting services like CAB Abstracts were available only in large printed volumes that occupied significant space in library collections. As technology advanced, these resources transitioned to digital formats, initially stored on floppy disks and compact discs, making them more portable and easier to distribute. Today, they are seamlessly accessible online, enabling instant retrieval of information from anywhere in the world. This digital transformation has streamlined access and enhanced the efficiency and scope of academic research.
The One Nation One Subscription initiative aims to address these challenges by providing nationwide access to high-quality academic resources through a centralised system. The Union Cabinet approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme on 25 November 2024. This initiative seeks to break down barriers to knowledge by providing all students, faculty, researchers, and scientists across the nation’s government higher education institutions (HEIs) and central government R&D centres with access to international scholarly journals and articles. The ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) programme seeks to obtain national licensing for electronic journals and academic databases from prominent STEM and social sciences publishers. ONOS aims to enhance access by unifying institutional and consortium-based subscriptions while negotiating lower Article Processing Charges (APCs) for open-access publications, thus promoting equal academic opportunities. This initiative represents a crucial advancement in India’s objective of inclusive education and research, as delineated in the National Education Policy (NEP), guaranteeing universal access to information resources for learning, creativity, and excellence.
The implementation will occur in phases, involving universities, colleges, and research and development institutions across the country. The INFLIBNET Centre in Gandhinagar, an Inter-University Centre connected with the UGC and the current administrator of India’s largest library consortium, e-Shodh Sindhu (ESS), has been designated to oversee implementation. Access to subscribed resources will be granted through institutional IP addresses or remotely via INFLIBNET’s INFED Access Federation, which is compatible with all devices, including mobile platforms. This project highlights India’s dedication to democratising education and fostering an empowered, knowledge-based society.
THE POTENTIAL OF ONOS
According to IIM Mumbai, ONOS has the potential to reduce research costs by 18%, offering a transformative advantage to countless knowledge seekers across the country. Limited access to journals has long been a significant obstacle for open science and research students. This landmark initiative will provide free access to 13,000 scholarly journals to approximately 1.8 crore students, researchers, and educators nationwide. Backed by a financial investment of Rs 6,000 crore ($715 million) over three years, the ONOS programme is one of the largest knowledge-access initiatives globally, aiming to ensure equitable access and foster innovation. Furthermore, it will bolster India’s standing in the global academic community.
The initiative can ensure that every student has the same knowledge regardless of geographic or economic constraints by pooling resources and negotiating bulk subscriptions to international and national journals, databases, and e-books. What a student or scholar gets in a national institute will be available to a student in a university in a remote corner of the country. This democratisation of knowledge resources can significantly reduce the existing disparities in educational opportunities.
The ONOS scheme is a cornerstone of India’s ambition to become a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047. This initiative is a key component of the Viksitbharat@2047 vision. This roadmap envisions India’s emergence as a leading global power driven by cutting-edge research, technological advancement, and self-sustained progress. Through such initiatives, India is preparing to build on its rich legacy of knowledge, positioning itself at the forefront of global innovation and discovery.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
However, the success of this initiative depends on more than just access. India needs a parallel effort to rejuvenate its library ecosystem. Even in the digital age, physical libraries are irreplaceable as spaces for reflection and collaboration. The government should provide adequate funds to modernise libraries and also take steps to recruit skilled, motivated librarians who understand the evolving needs of readers and can effectively manage digital and physical resources. To ensure inclusivity, One Nation One Subscription must provide individual login credentials to every registered student and scholar, enabling direct access to resources anytime, anywhere. This would bypass traditional institutional gatekeeping and foster a more reader-friendly environment. Policymakers must ensure this ambitious plan does not falter due to a lack of implementation or neglect of complementary measures.
Furthermore, the initiative must address the bureaucratic hurdles researchers often face while accessing resources. Currently, many libraries operate within silos, requiring cumbersome processes to obtain access to materials from other institutions. This delays research and discourages scholars from pursuing their work to full potential. By streamlining the process and creating a unified platform, One Nation One Subscription can ensure seamless access to a vast knowledge repository, thus promoting a more efficient research environment.
It is also essential to consider the financial sustainability of the initiative. While the government’s investment is critical, institutions must also explore public-private partnerships and collaborations to share the financial burden. Engaging with publishers to secure favourable terms for bulk subscriptions and open-access policies could further enhance the initiative’s effectiveness. Additionally, periodic audits and feedback mechanisms should be implemented to ensure that the resources meet the evolving needs of students and researchers.
Another crucial aspect is awareness and training. Providing access to resources alone will not suffice if students and researchers are unaware of how to utilise them effectively. Training programmes, workshops, and user-friendly interfaces must be introduced to help users navigate and make the most of available resources. Special focus should be given to empowering researchers in remote areas, who may lack the exposure and technical skills required to leverage digital libraries fully.
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge is the cornerstone of progress, and access to it must be recognised as a fundamental right, not a privilege. One Nation One Subscription promises to bridge the educational divide, fostering an equitable academic environment for all. To fully realise the potential of this initiative, the government must ensure access to these resources for every student, regardless of whether they are enrolled in public or private institutions, thereby capturing the true essence of inclusivity envisioned by the scheme. Every student should be able to utilise the benefit of this scheme by providing access on their phone or laptop, unlike the current pattern of providing the access within the local area net in their host institution.
This initiative could transform India’s educational landscape if successfully implemented, making quality academic resources universally accessible. By addressing the challenges faced by researchers, particularly in remote areas, and revitalising the library culture, One Nation One Subscription has the potential to be a milestone in the nation’s journey towards educational equity and excellence.
*The writer is the Dean (Academic Affairs) at Garden City University, Bangalore, and an Adjunct Faculty at National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore. He can be contacted at bijudharmapalan@gmail.com.
