The E-Shram Card is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, aimed at providing social security and welfare benefits to unorganized sector workers. It serves as a national database for unorganized workers and helps streamline the delivery of various government schemes to the right beneficiaries. With millions of laborers in India working in informal sectors like construction, domestic work, street vending, agriculture, and more, the E-Shram Yojana is a step forward in ensuring that these workers get access to benefits they often miss out on due to the lack of documentation or formal employment status.
This article will guide you through the process of applying for an E-Shram Card and explain the numerous benefits it offers under various government welfare schemes.
What is the E-Shram Card?
The E-Shram Card is a unique identification card given to workers in the unorganized sector. The card contains a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) that is valid across the country. It stores the worker’s personal details, occupation, skills, educational qualifications, and bank account details. The card is linked with the Aadhaar and serves as proof of identity for availing various government schemes.
This database is also a strategic move to ensure timely assistance to workers in situations like pandemics, natural disasters, or any future national emergencies.
Who Can Apply for the E-Shram Card?
The E-Shram Card is meant specifically for workers in the unorganized sector. To be eligible:
- The applicant should be between 16 and 59 years of age.
- They should not be an income taxpayer.
- They should not be a member of EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) or ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation).
- Occupations may include agricultural laborers, migrant workers, domestic helpers, street vendors, construction workers, fishermen, rickshaw pullers, artisans, and many others.
How to Apply for the E-Shram Card
Applying for the E-Shram Card is a simple process and can be done either online or through a nearby Common Service Center (CSC).
Steps for Online Application:
- Visit the official E-Shram portal.
- Click on “Register on E-Shram”.
- Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Verify with OTP (One-Time Password).
- Fill in personal details like name, address, occupation, skills, education, and bank account information.
- Submit the application.
- Download or print your E-Shram Card once generated.
The card is issued immediately after successful registration and is available for download in digital format.
Documents Required
To register for an E-Shram Card, you need the following documents:
- Aadhaar card (linked with mobile number)
- Bank account details
- Age proof
- Occupation details
- Mobile number (linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification)
Benefits of E-Shram Card Under Government Schemes
The E-Shram Card opens the door to several government welfare schemes, especially for workers who have traditionally been left out of the social security net. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Accidental Insurance (Under PMSBY)
Every registered worker with an E-Shram Card is automatically enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). This provides:
- ₹2 lakh in case of accidental death or permanent disability
- ₹1 lakh in case of partial disability
This insurance is free of cost and funded by the government for those enrolled through the E-Shram portal.
2. Eligibility for Future Welfare Schemes
Once registered, workers can be automatically considered for various central and state government schemes related to health, pensions, housing, food security, education, and employment. This avoids the need for multiple registrations.
3. Pension Scheme Benefits (Under PM-SYM)
E-Shram Card holders are also eligible to enroll in the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, which is a pension scheme for unorganized workers. Under this:
- Workers between 18–40 years can contribute monthly to a pension fund.
- The government matches the contribution.
- On reaching the age of 60, the worker receives a monthly pension of ₹3,000.
4. Job and Skill Development Opportunities
The E-Shram database is also being used to link workers with employment opportunities and skill development programs. Based on the occupation and skill set entered during registration, the government can recommend relevant training or employment programs.
5. Health Benefits and Maternity Assistance
The card can be used in the future to integrate with health insurance programs such as Ayushman Bharat, which offers health coverage up to ₹5 lakh. Women workers can also benefit from maternity assistance schemes.
6. Financial Support During Emergencies
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government faced challenges in distributing aid to unorganized workers due to the absence of a unified database. The E-Shram portal now fills that gap, enabling quicker and more targeted financial assistance in times of crisis.
How Does E-Shram Help the Government?
While the card benefits workers, it also helps the government in:
- Understanding the unorganized labor sector better.
- Planning welfare schemes based on real data.
- Avoiding duplication and leakages in welfare delivery.
- Providing disaster response quickly to the affected areas or workers.
What to Do After Getting an E-Shram Card?
Once you have registered and received your E-Shram Card:
- Keep the card number and UAN safe.
- Ensure your bank account is active and Aadhaar-linked.
- Update any changes in your details if needed.
- Look out for scheme announcements or SMS notifications from the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Common Questions About E-Shram Card
1. Is there any fee for applying?
No, the application is completely free of cost.
2. Can I apply without an Aadhaar-linked mobile number?
Online application requires Aadhaar-linked mobile number. If you don’t have one, visit a CSC center for biometric verification.
3. How long is the E-Shram Card valid?
The card does not expire but should be updated in case of change in occupation, address, or other major details.
Conclusion
The E-Shram Card is a landmark step by the Indian government toward the inclusion and welfare of unorganized sector workers. It not only gives them identity and dignity but also opens access to numerous government benefits that were previously hard to reach. By creating a comprehensive national database, the government is making it easier to implement schemes effectively and ensure that no worker is left behind.
Every eligible unorganized worker should take advantage of this scheme by applying for the E-Shram Card. It is not just a card; it is a gateway to security, dignity, and a better future for India’s hardworking labor force.