The E-Shram Yojana is an ambitious scheme launched by the Central Government of India to create a National Database of Unorganized Sector Workers. This card allows workers to directly access various government schemes and social security benefits.
Benefits of the E-Shram Card
E-Shram cardholders receive the following major benefits:
- ₹2 Lakh Accidental Insurance: Under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), workers get up to ₹2 Lakh in Accidental Insurance coverage. This amount is provided for accidental death or total permanent disability, and ₹1 Lakh for partial disability.
- Financial Assistance: During times of natural disaster or pandemics (like COVID-19), the Central Government can provide direct financial assistance (in installments) deposited straight into the worker’s bank account.
- Pension Scheme Access: E-Shram cardholders are eligible to enroll in the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM), a pension scheme that provides a pension of ₹3,000 per month after the age of 60.
- Access to Social Security Schemes: The card ensures that all current and future social security and welfare schemes launched by central and state governments are delivered directly to the registered workers.
- Employment Generation: Based on the workers’ skills and requirements recorded in the database, the government can facilitate better employment opportunities.
Eligibility for E-Shram Card
This scheme is exclusively for Unorganized Sector Workers.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Must be between 16 and 59 years. |
| Worker Type | Unorganized workers (e.g., agricultural laborers, construction workers, domestic workers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, ASHA/Anganwadi workers, small shopkeepers, etc.). |
| Other Criteria | The worker must not be a member of EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) or ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation). |
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card: Must be linked to a mobile number.
- Bank Account: Account number and IFSC code.
- Active Mobile Number: The number linked to the Aadhaar card.
- Income Proof: (If required)
- Passport Size Photo
Online Application Process
Applying for the E-Shram card is completely free of cost.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official eShram Portal website: eshram.gov.in.
- Select Registration: On the homepage, click on the “Register on e-Shram” option.
- Enter Mobile & Verify: Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and the Captcha code. Select ‘NO’ for both ‘EPFO’ and ‘ESIC’ options.
- Aadhaar Details: Enter your Aadhaar number for verification.
- Fill the Form: You will then need to fill in your Personal Information, Address Details, Educational Qualification, Occupation/Skill Details, and Bank Account Details.
- Submit: Review all the details carefully and submit the application.
- Download Card: Upon successful registration, you will receive the E-Shram Card with a 12-digit UAN (Universal Account Number). You can then download it in PDF format.
