Context

The “one nation one subscription” scheme is an ambitious initiative launched by the Government of India aimed at providing nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journal publications in higher education institutions. The scheme seeks to bring about a revolutionary change in the higher education sector of India.

Objective of the Scheme

• Equal access: To provide access to world-class research journals to students, teachers and researchers of all higher education institutions in the country by bringing them on a common platform.
• Cost reduction: To reduce the cost incurred by different institutions by taking separate subscriptions and to optimize the use of resources.
• Promotion of research: To provide a centralized platform to students and researchers to obtain information about the latest research and developments.
• Dissemination of knowledge: To promote the dissemination of knowledge across the country and establish India as a hub of global knowledge.

Key features of the scheme

• Centralised platform: The scheme, coordinated by a central agency, the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), will benefit over 6,300 higher education institutions and research centres managed by the Central or State governments.
• Comprehensive coverage: The scheme covers Central and State Government higher education institutions, and ensures equitable access across various institutions, including universities, colleges, research bodies and Institutions of National Importance (INIs).
• Financial allocation: A total of about Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for the scheme for 3 calendar years, 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Benefits of the scheme

• For students: Students getting access to world-class research journals will help them in their research work and keep them updated with the latest knowledge.
• For teachers: Teachers can make their curriculum more rich and provide better quality education to students.
• For Research Institutes: Research institutes will get help in getting information about the latest research and furthering their research work.
• For the country: This scheme will help in establishing India as a hub of global knowledge and will contribute to the overall development of the country.