e-Shram Card

The e-Shram Card is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India to create a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW). The scheme aims to provide social security benefits and welfare scheme access to workers in the unorganized sector.

What is an e-Shram Card?

An e-Shram Card is a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) issued to unorganized sector workers after registration on the e-Shram portal. This card acts as a centralized identity for workers to access government welfare schemes and benefits.

The database helps the government design better policies for worker welfare and employment support.

Objectives of the e-Shram Scheme

The main objectives of the e-Shram Card scheme are:

• To create a comprehensive database of unorganized workers

• To provide social security and welfare benefits

• To enable portability of benefits across states

• To support workers during emergencies and crises

• To improve policy planning and implementation

Who Can Apply for an e-Shram Card?

Eligibility Criteria:

• An individual can apply for an e-Shram Card if they:

1. Are an unorganized sector worker

2. Are aged between 16 and 59 years

3. Are not a member of EPFO or ESIC

4. Are an Indian citizen

• Examples of Unorganized Workers:

1. Construction workers

2. Street vendors

3. Agricultural laborers

4. Domestic workers

5. Migrant workers

6. Gig and platform workers

7. Rickshaw pullers and daily wage workers

Benefits of e-Shram Card

• Accidental Insurance Coverage

1. Registered workers receive ₹2 lakh insurance coverage for accidental death or permanent disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

• Access to Government Welfare Schemes

e-Shram Card holders can benefit from:

1. Pension schemes

2. Health insurance schemes

3. Skill development programs

4. Housing schemes

5. Employment-related benefits

• Nationwide Portability

1. Workers can access benefits across different states, which is especially useful for migrant workers.

Documents Required for e-Shram Card Registration

• Aadhar Card (linked with mobile number)

• Mobile number

• Bank account details (optional but recommended)

How to Apply for e-Shram Card (Step-by-Step)

• Online Registration:

1. Visit the e-Shram portal

2. Click on Self-Registration

3. Enter Aadhaar-linked mobile number

4. Verify OTP

5. Fill in personal and occupational details

6. Submit the form

7. Download e-Shram Card with UAN

• Offline Registration:

Workers can also register through:

1. Common Service Centers (CSCs)

2. State government facilitation centers

Details Mentioned on the e-Shram Card

• Name of the worker

• UAN (Universal Account Number)

• Date of birth

• Gender

• Occupation

• Aadhaar-masked number

Importance of e-Shram Card for Unorganized Workers

The e-Shram Card plays a vital role by:

• Providing identity to informal workers

• Ensuring inclusion in welfare schemes

• Offering financial protection

• Supporting workers during disasters and pandemics

e-Shram Card and Social Security

The e-Shram platform integrates multiple social security schemes, ensuring:

• Better scheme targeting

• Reduced duplication

• Efficient benefit delivery via DBT

Common Issues Faced During e-Shram Registration

• Aadhaar not linked with mobile number

• OTP failure

• Incorrect bank details

• Lack of awareness among workers

These issues can be resolved with help from CSCs or official support channels.

Conclusion

The e-Shram Card is a transformative initiative aimed at improving the lives of unorganized sector workers in India. By offering social security coverage, access to welfare schemes, and a national identity, the e-Shram Card strengthens worker protection and promotes inclusive growth.

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