| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Highlight the strength of ONOS & evaluate the scheme in the context of equitable access to scientific knowledge. Conclusion: Way forward |
The ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2024, aims to provide equitable access to scholarly journals across public institutions in India.
Contents
Strengths of ONOS
- Equitable Knowledge Access: ONOS promises universal access to research for all public institutions, bridging the gap between well-funded and resource-constrained organizations.
- Cost Optimization: Centralized subscriptions could reduce the duplication of expenditure by academic institutions, which currently spend around ₹1,500 crore annually on journal access.
- Boost to Research Ecosystem: The scheme ensures immediate availability of high-impact research, enhancing academic output and fostering innovation.
Challenges and Shortcomings
- Global Shift Towards OA Publishing: With over 53% of scientific articles already OA and mandates by nations like the U.S. and EU requiring publicly funded research to be freely accessible, ONOS risks investing taxpayer money in an increasingly obsolete subscription model.
- Article Processing Charges (APCs): While OA journals eliminate paywalls for readers, authors face exorbitant APCs (e.g., Nature Communications charges $6,790 per paper). ONOS does not address these fees, potentially sidelining Indian researchers seeking global publication.
- Copyright Concerns: The subscription model forces authors to transfer copyrights to publishers, limiting their control over their work. Instances like Taylor & Francis’s AI-related controversy highlight the risks of relinquishing copyright.
- Lack of Long-term Preservation Mechanisms: Reliance on publishers for archiving creates risks, as demonstrated by journals becoming inaccessible after discontinuation.
- Missed Opportunity for Self-Reliance: India’s resources and talent could elevate indigenous journals to global standards. Instead, ONOS reinforces reliance on Western publishers, missing the chance to establish leadership in publishing innovation.
Alternatives and Recommendations
- Institutional Open Access Repositories: Incorporating a green OA model would allow Indian researchers to archive their work, making it globally accessible without APCs.
- Rights Retention Policies: Adopting frameworks like those of Harvard University can protect authors’ intellectual property rights while promoting accessibility.
- Investing in Indian Journals: Building robust domestic publishing platforms can reduce dependency on international publishers and attract global submissions.
- Digital Preservation: Ensuring long-term accessibility of research through self-archiving and repository networks should complement ONOS.
Conclusion
A hybrid approach—adopting ONOS while simultaneously investing in OA infrastructure—would align access with sustainability, fostering a truly inclusive global knowledge ecosystem.
