One Nation One Subscription: Facilitating Free Access to International Academic Journals
On November 25, 2023, the PM led Union Cabinet approved a landmark program—One Nation One Subscription. This initiative, aligning with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and Viksit Bharat @ 2047, aims to provide nationwide digital access to top-tier academic research articles and journals. The government has allocated ₹6,000 crore to this project for the next three years, emphasizing the importance of education and research in India’s development.
Understanding One Nation One Subscription
One Nation One Subscription is a centralized program designed to provide researchers, faculty, and students across all higher education institutions with access to high-impact international academic research articles and journal publications. Catering to federal, state, and central government research agencies, this initiative underscores India’s commitment to advancing its academic and research capabilities.
Key Features of One Nation One Subscription
- Access to Major Journals:
- The initiative includes subscriptions to 30 major international journal publishers, offering access to nearly 13,400 e-journals.
- Wide Coverage:
- Over 6,300 government higher education institutions and central government R&D institutions will benefit from the scheme.
- Digital Accessibility:
- The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC), will manage the subscription digitally, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly process.
- Significant Budget Allocation:
- A total of ₹6,000 crore has been earmarked for the implementation of this project for the years 2025 to 2027.
- Centralized Management:
- The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) will oversee national subscription management, enhancing coordination and resource distribution.
- Unified Access Portal:
- Institutions can access the subscribed journals through a dedicated portal managed by the Department of Higher Education.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- State governments will run campaigns to promote awareness and utilization among students, faculty, and researchers.
Beneficiaries of the Scheme
- Researchers, Educators, and Students:
- The initiative will benefit approximately 1.8 crore individuals, including students, educators, researchers, and scientists, by providing them with access to high-quality scholarly articles and journals across various disciplines.
Launch Timeline and Implementation Phases
The One Nation One Subscription program will officially commence on January 1, 2024. The initiative, in its first phase, will provide access to thousands of international journals on diverse subjects such as science, technology, engineering, medicine, mathematics, management, social sciences, and humanities.
Participating Institutions and Publishers
- Higher Education and Research Institutes:
- The program will include 6,380 institutions such as IITs, state public universities, and colleges.
- Leading Publishers:
- Journals from 30 significant publishers like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley will be accessible.
Future Expansion and Public-Private Partnership
The program plans to expand through a public-private partnership, potentially including private academic institutions. The third phase aims to provide access to international journals through public libraries, ensuring widespread availability.
Monitoring and Support
The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) will serve as the central body monitoring the One Nation One Subscription initiative, ensuring proper implementation and management. This initiative is expected to promote interdisciplinary research nationwide by making scholarly resources available to a vast number of students, faculty, and researchers, including those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide Digital Access:
- Ensures nationwide access to high-impact academic research articles and journals.
- Significant Budget:
- ₹6,000 crore allocated for the next three years.
- Centralized and Simplified Process:
- Managed by INFLIBNET under the UGC for ease and efficiency.
- Wide Coverage:
- Benefits over 6,300 higher education and research institutions in India.
Conclusion
The One Nation One Subscription initiative marks a significant step towards democratizing access to scholarly resources in India. With substantial governmental support and strategic implementation, this program is set to empower researchers, educators, and students by providing unprecedented access to global academic knowledge.
Disclaimer
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