The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a new initiative called "One Nation One Subscription." This scheme aims to provide nationwide access to academic research articles and journal publications, emphasizing the importance of research and development during what the government calls the "Amrit Kaal."
This program will be managed through a straightforward, fully digital system. It is designed to offer a unified subscription service for government-funded higher education institutions and research laboratories. The scheme will cover three years (2025, 2026, and 2027) with a total budget of approximately Rs.6,000 crore.
Supporting India's Education and Innovation Goals
The "One Nation One Subscription" scheme will build on past efforts by the Indian government to expand access to quality education. It aims to support and improve educational opportunities for Indian youth, making it easier to access top-tier academic content. This initiative is expected to complement the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in fostering a strong culture of research and innovation across universities, colleges, and research facilities.
The program will provide access to academic resources for all higher educational institutions managed by the Central or State Government and Central Government's research and development institutions. A central agency, the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), will coordinate the subscription process. INFLIBNET is an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Expanding Access to Research Across India
The initiative is set to benefit over 6,300 institutions, including about 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers. It aligns with several national goals such as the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the ANRF’s mission. A key aim is to expand access to academic journals for students and researchers across the country, including those in smaller cities, promoting both specialized and interdisciplinary research.
Monitoring and Promoting Usage
The ANRF will monitor the usage of the "One Nation One Subscription" service and track the publications of Indian authors from participating institutions. The Department of Higher Education will oversee a dedicated online portal called "One Nation One Subscription," allowing institutions to access a wide range of academic journals.
Efforts will be made to raise awareness about the program. The Department of Higher Education, along with other relevant ministries, will conduct outreach activities to ensure students, faculty, and researchers are informed about the available resources. State governments will also be encouraged to promote the scheme, aiming to maximize its usage across educational and research institutions throughout India.
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