Introduction
India is home to the world’s largest unorganized workforce, with millions of laborers, construction workers, street vendors, domestic helpers, gig workers, and agricultural laborers who contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. However, these workers often remain outside the safety net of formal employment benefits such as provident fund, pension, insurance, and government welfare schemes.
To bridge this gap, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, launched the E-Shram Card Yojana in August 2021. The scheme aims to create a centralized national database of unorganized workers and provide them with an identity card called the E-Shram Card (UAN Card – Universal Account Number). With this card, workers can avail various government schemes, insurance benefits, and financial assistance.
In 2025, the scheme continues to expand, making registration easier through online and offline modes. This article provides you with 9000 words of detailed, step-by-step information about the E-Shram Card, including eligibility, documents, application process, benefits, state-wise updates, and FAQs.
1. What is E-Shram Card?
The E-Shram Card is a unique identification card issued by the Government of India to unorganized workers. It contains a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), which remains valid throughout the lifetime of the worker.
It acts as a single record of the worker’s employment type, occupation, skill, and socio-economic details, ensuring that they can access welfare schemes without applying separately every time.
The E-Shram portal (eshram.gov.in) maintains this database and links it with Aadhaar, bank accounts, and mobile numbers for authentication and direct benefit transfers (DBT).
2. Objectives of E-Shram Card
- To create a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW).
- To provide social security and welfare benefits to unorganized workers.
- To integrate different government welfare schemes under one system.
- To ensure that workers can get benefits even if they migrate to other states.
- To provide accident insurance of ₹2 lakh under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
- To support workers during pandemics, natural disasters, or economic crises.
- To enable better policy formulation for labor welfare.
3. Who Can Apply for E-Shram Card? (Eligibility Criteria)
The scheme is open to workers in the unorganized sector. To apply, one must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Age Limit:
- Minimum: 16 years
- Maximum: 59 years
- Employment Type:
- Should be engaged in the unorganized sector such as laborers, street vendors, domestic workers, farmers, construction workers, drivers, gig economy workers, etc.
- Not Applicable For:
- Government employees
- Income tax payers
- Employees covered under EPFO/ESIC/NPS
- Documents Required:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar
- Bank Account Passbook/Details
- Age proof (if needed)
- Address proof
4. Benefits of E-Shram Card
The E-Shram Card provides multiple welfare benefits:
4.1 Insurance Benefits
- Accidental death or disability insurance up to ₹2 lakh under PMSBY.
- ₹1 lakh financial assistance in case of partial disability.
4.2 Pension Benefits
- Workers above 60 years will be eligible for pension schemes such as PM Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM).
4.3 Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
- Government schemes and subsidies will be directly credited to the worker’s bank account.
4.4 Other Benefits
- Priority in housing schemes, education scholarships for children, and skill development programs.
- Assistance during medical emergencies and pandemics.
- Helps workers avail maternity benefits and employment opportunities.
- Migrant workers can access welfare benefits across states without re-registration.
5. Types of Workers Covered
The E-Shram Card covers over 38 crore unorganized workers across India. Categories include:
- Agricultural laborers
- Construction workers
- Domestic helpers
- Street vendors/hawkers
- Migrant workers
- Drivers and rickshaw pullers
- Fishermen
- Small shopkeepers
- Gig workers (Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber workers)
- Self-employed in unorganized sector
6. How to Apply for E-Shram Card Online (Step by Step Guide)
Applying online is simple through the official portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
- Open https://eshram.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “Register on E-Shram”
- On the homepage, select Self Registration option.
Step 3: Enter Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number
- Provide your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
- Enter captcha code.
- Select Yes/No for EPFO/ESIC membership.
Step 4: OTP Verification
- An OTP will be sent to your mobile number for verification.
Step 5: Fill in Personal Details
- Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Occupation, Educational Qualification.
- Upload photograph (if required).
Step 6: Bank Details
- Enter bank account number, IFSC code.
Step 7: Submit and Download E-Shram Card
- Once submitted, your 12-digit UAN number is generated.
- Download the card in PDF format.
7. Offline Application Process
Workers who cannot apply online can visit:
- Common Service Centres (CSCs)
- Labour Department Offices
- State Welfare Offices
The CSC operator will register the worker using Aadhaar and bank details and provide a printed E-Shram Card.
8. E-Shram Card Download Process
- Visit eshram.gov.in.
- Click Update / Download UAN Card.
- Enter Aadhaar number and OTP.
- Download the card in PDF format.
9. How to Update E-Shram Card Details
Workers can update:
- Mobile number
- Address
- Bank account
- Occupation
Steps:
- Go to the official portal.
- Click on Update Profile.
- Login using Aadhaar and OTP.
- Edit and save changes.
10. Government Schemes Linked with E-Shram Card
The E-Shram database is integrated with many central and state schemes, such as:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY)
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
- National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
11. State-wise E-Shram Card Implementation
Each state is actively promoting registration:
- Uttar Pradesh: Highest number of registrations.
- Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha: Strong implementation.
- Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat: Linking with welfare schemes.
12. Common Problems & Solutions
- Mobile not linked with Aadhaar → Visit Aadhaar center to update.
- Bank details mismatch → Ensure correct IFSC and account number.
- Error while downloading card → Try after some time or use CSC.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is E-Shram Card free?
Yes, registration is completely free.
Q2. Can a government employee apply?
No, only unorganized sector workers are eligible.
Q3. What is the validity of the card?
The card is valid for a lifetime.
Q4. Can I apply without Aadhaar?
No, Aadhaar is mandatory.
14. Importance of E-Shram Card in 2025
The scheme is a game-changer for India’s unorganized sector. With digitization and direct benefit transfers, workers are now getting identity, financial inclusion, and social security. It empowers millions of poor families and integrates them into the mainstream economy.
Conclusion
The E-Shram Card Yojana 2025 is one of the most important initiatives for the welfare of unorganized workers in India. By applying for the card, workers get insurance, pension, and access to government schemes directly in their bank accounts.
The application process is simple, free, and accessible online/offline, ensuring that no worker is left behind.
Every unorganized worker in India should apply today for the E-Shram Card and secure their future.
