The e-Shram Card initiative is a comprehensive program launched by the Government of India in August 2021 under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It aims to support unorganized sector workers by offering them access to social security schemes, financial benefits, and skill development opportunities. The initiative is facilitated through the e-Shram portal, a centralized platform that creates a national database for unorganized workers.
Key Features of the E-Shram Card
- Universal Account Number (UAN):
Workers receive a unique 12-digit UAN upon registration. This number serves as their identity for accessing various government schemes. - Social Security Benefits:
The program integrates several schemes to ensure that workers in the unorganized sector benefit from health insurance, pensions, skill development, and other welfare programs. - Centralized Platform:
The portal acts as a one-stop solution for workers to enroll in schemes and receive benefits without additional paperwork or formalities.
Eligibility for E-Shram Card
To qualify for the e-Shram Card, individuals must meet these criteria:
- Occupation: Work in the unorganized sector, such as construction, agriculture, street vending, or domestic work.
- Age: Be between 16 and 59 years old.
- Exclusions: Individuals already registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), or the National Pension System (NPS) are not eligible.
Benefits of the E-Shram Card
- Pension Scheme:
Workers are eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme, offering a monthly pension of ₹3,000 upon reaching 60 years of age. Contributions range from ₹55 to ₹200 per month, depending on the age at enrollment, with the government matching the worker’s contribution. - Accidental Insurance:
The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) provides accidental death and disability insurance. Beneficiaries receive ₹2 lakh in case of death or full disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability. - Health Insurance:
Workers get coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). - Financial Assistance:
The program integrates benefits from various schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), ensuring food security and housing for workers. - Skill Development Opportunities:
Workers gain access to training and skill enhancement programs through the Skill India Digital portal, improving their employability.
Registration Process
Workers can register for free through the e-Shram portal or Common Service Centers (CSCs). The registration process requires:
- Aadhaar Card: Essential for identity verification.
- Bank Account Details: Necessary for direct benefit transfer.
- Mobile Number: Preferably linked to Aadhaar for OTP-based verification.
Upon successful registration, workers receive their e-Shram Card with a unique UAN. This card becomes their key to accessing benefits across government schemes.
Integration with Government Schemes
The e-Shram Card is linked to several other welfare schemes, making it easier for workers to access benefits:
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM): Pension enrollment.
- National Career Service (NCS): Employment opportunities.
- Skill India Digital Portal: Skill development initiatives.
- myScheme Portal: A unified platform for discovering eligible government schemes.
Impact and Achievements
As of November 2024, over 30.42 crore unorganized workers have registered on the e-Shram portal. This massive enrollment indicates growing awareness and accessibility among workers. By digitizing the database and linking it to welfare programs, the initiative ensures faster and more efficient delivery of benefits.
Recent Updates
The government continues to enhance the portal by adding more welfare schemes and integrating social security initiatives. The aim is to build a robust ecosystem for unorganized workers, improving their economic stability and quality of life.
Conclusion
The e-Shram Card is a transformative step toward formalizing India’s vast unorganized sector. It provides workers with a safety net that includes pensions, health insurance, and skill-building opportunities, ensuring long-term benefits. This initiative not only empowers workers but also aligns with the government’s vision of inclusive growth and development. By registering on the e-Shram portal, workers can secure their futures and access a range of social security measures tailored to their needs.
