Introduction:
The Government of India has always aimed to improve the livelihood and welfare of workers, especially those in the unorganized sector. In this pursuit, the E-Shram Card initiative was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in August 2021. This ambitious project seeks to create a comprehensive national database of unorganized workers and provide them with a Universal Account Number (UAN), thus enabling better implementation of welfare schemes and benefits.
What is the E-Shram Card?
The E-Shram Card is a unique identity card issued to unorganized workers in India. It is part of the E-Shram Portal, which is India’s first national database of unorganized workers, including gig workers, street vendors, construction workers, domestic helpers, agricultural laborers, and others. Each registered worker receives a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) that remains valid across India.
This database aims to streamline government benefits, making sure they reach the right people directly and efficiently.
Objectives of the E-Shram Scheme
The main objectives of the E-Shram initiative are:
- Creating a centralized database of unorganized workers for better delivery of welfare schemes.
- Improving access to social security schemes such as insurance, pension, and employment benefits.
- Helping the government plan policy decisions based on accurate data.
- Enhancing job opportunities and providing skill development support.
Who Can Register for the E-Shram Card?
The E-Shram Card is designed for individuals working in the unorganized sector. To register, the applicant must:
- Be an Indian citizen aged between 16 and 59 years.
- Not be a member of EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation), ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation), or NPS (National Pension System).
- Be employed in informal jobs like construction, agriculture, fishing, hawking, domestic work, etc.
How to Apply for the E-Shram Card?
The application process is simple and free of cost. It can be done in three ways:
- Self-registration through the official portal: https://eshram.gov.in
- Through Common Service Centres (CSCs) available across the country.
- With the help of State Government outreach teams.
To register, workers need:
- Aadhaar Number
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Bank account details
Benefits of the E-Shram Card
The E-Shram Card offers several direct and indirect benefits to registered workers:
- Accidental Insurance: Registered workers are eligible for ₹2 lakh accident insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
- Direct benefit transfer (DBT): During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, financial aid is directly credited to the worker’s account.
- Access to social welfare schemes: Easier access to schemes like PM-KISAN, Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana, and more.
- Portability of benefits: Workers moving between states can still access benefits using their UAN.
- Skill development opportunities: The card helps identify skilled and semi-skilled workers for training and job placements.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its positive impact, the E-Shram initiative faces challenges like lack of awareness among rural populations, digital illiteracy, and difficulties in updating worker information. Moreover, coordination between central and state governments needs to be seamless to avoid data duplication.
However, the government is continuously working to improve these systems and integrate E-Shram data with various schemes. In the future, the E-Shram Card could become a central tool for labor reforms and ensure that “no worker is left behind.”
Conclusion
The E-Shram Card is a revolutionary step toward formalizing India’s unorganized workforce and bringing them under a security net. By bridging the gap between the government and workers, it ensures inclusiveness, dignity, and protection. With continuous efforts and public participation, the E-Shram scheme has the potential to transform millions of lives across the country.