Bharat, the cradle of ancient civilisations, was once a global leader in knowledge and research. From unparalleled advancements in mathematics and astronomy to groundbreaking contributions in medicine, philosophy, and metallurgy, Bharat’s scholars shaped the world’s understanding of science and the humanities. Yet, under colonial rule, this thriving research culture suffered deliberate suppression. The British regime not only plundered Bharat’s wealth but also stifled its intellectual ecosystem, disrupting centuries of scholarship and learning. The lasting impact of this cultural and academic degradation left post-colonial Bharat grappling with rebuilding its academic stature.
In recent years, various reports, including the National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), have emphasised the urgent need for better research infrastructure. The Economic Survey 2022 also highlighted that Bharat’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) is among the lowest compared to other major economies. This underscores the need for reforms like the One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS) scheme—a transformational initiative that seeks to democratise access to academic journals, empowering researchers nationwide and unlocking Bharat’s potential to become a global research powerhouse again.
Reviving the Spirit of Research: The Need for ONOS
In a world increasingly driven by knowledge and innovation, the importance of accessible research cannot be overstated. ONOS seeks to address a longstanding issue in Bharat’s academic community: the high cost and limited availability of scholarly resources. Previously, access to e-journals was fragmented, with individual institutions subscribing to limited journals at high costs. This system left many students, especially in smaller or less financially equipped institutions, without the resources to conduct cutting-edge research.
The ONOS scheme is designed to unite all existing library consortia under one national framework, allowing every student, faculty member, and researcher to access an extensive repository of academic journals. This centralised model will expand the reach of e-journals from 2,360 institutions to over 6,380 institutions, marking a 170 per cent increase in coverage. More significantly, ONOS is projected to increase the number of individual users from 5.6 million to 17.8 million—a staggering 213 per cent rise. The government’s investment of ₹6,000 crore over three years (2025-2027) ensures that knowledge is democratised for all and not restricted to elite academic circles.
Key Features of ONOS: A Revolutionary Framework
National Consortium for Journal Subscriptions
ONOS will create a centralised, national consortium that negotiates and funds e-journal subscriptions, offering open access to these resources for every academic and research institution in Bharat. By eliminating the need for individual negotiations, this consortium will reduce the overall cost per institution, ensuring broader and more equitable access to knowledge.
Support for Article Processing Charges (APCs)
One of the key features of ONOS is its provision of ₹150 crore per year to support Article Processing Charges (APCs) for high-quality open-access journals. This fund will help reduce the burden on researchers, many of whom currently face exorbitant fees to publish in international journals.
Wider Access Across Disciplines
ONOS promotes interdisciplinary research by providing access to a broader array of journals. Previously, access to journals was often limited by academic discipline, creating silos in research. With ONOS, students and researchers from diverse fields—including social sciences, law, and humanities—will have the same access as those in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) disciplines.
A Game-Changer for Bharat’s Research Ecosystem
The ONOS scheme is a monumental step towards reviving Bharat’s intellectual tradition. Bharat’s research potential, stifled by years of neglect under previous governments, is now being unleashed through visionary policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This government has boldly recognised research as the cornerstone of a self-reliant and globally competitive Bharat.
In stark contrast to the lack of focus on research under previous administrations, where the emphasis on research was minimal and underfunded, this government has prioritised initiatives like ONOS and the Academic National Research Foundation (ANRF). The NEP 2020, in particular, aims to create a more holistic and multidisciplinary education system, emphasising the critical role of research in developing Bharat into a Vishvaguru (world teacher). Reports like the NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India have consistently highlighted the need to invest in research and innovation, and ONOS is the government’s answer to this call.
Challenges in Implementation: Addressing Disparities in Humanities and Law
While ONOS is a revolutionary step forward, ensuring equitable access to research journals across all disciplines remains one key challenge. Currently, most journals under the ONOS scheme are focused on the sciences, leaving students in law, arts, and humanities underserved. Students, especially those in central universities who lack resources, struggle to access the needed journals. While prestigious institutions like Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and National Law Universities (NLUs) provide comprehensive access, many other central universities lack subscriptions to vital legal research databases and humanities journals.
Access to legal research and case studies is critical for students pursuing law. However, the exorbitant subscription costs for these journals often limit access to private universities, creating a significant disparity. ONOS must expand its scope to include these areas of study to democratise access to knowledge.
The Role of ONOS in Bharat’s Journey to Vishvaguru
The ONOS initiative, in conjunction with NEP 2020 and other governmental reforms, is laying the foundation for Bharat to reclaim its status as a global knowledge leader. Reports like the World Bank’s Global Innovation Index consistently emphasise the importance of access to research and innovation for national development. By opening up vast stores of academic knowledge to students and researchers across the country, ONOS is positioning Bharat at the forefront of global research, fostering the next generation of innovators and thought leaders.
Initiatives like ONOS undo the colonial legacy stifling Bharat’s research culture. The previous administration’s failure to invest adequately in research is being corrected, as this government has made substantial efforts to re-establish Bharat as a global research powerhouse. ONOS is not just a policy; it is a vision to make knowledge accessible to all and transform Bharat into a knowledge economy that inspires the world.
ONOS will be a game changer for Bharat’s research ecosystem in the coming years. By ensuring access to knowledge across disciplines and institutions, ONOS will ignite a new era of academic excellence, helping Bharat reclaim its status as a Vishvaguru—a leader in learning and research on the world stage.
