The Indian government introduced the e-Shram Yojana to extend social security benefits to workers in informal employment. To support this initiative, the e-Shram portal was developed to compile a comprehensive database of these workers, ensuring they can access various government welfare programs.
Individuals engaged in informal work should apply for an e-Shram card, also known as a Shramik card. This card allows them to receive multiple benefits, including pension support post-retirement at 60 years, insurance coverage for accidental death, and financial assistance in case of disability. The main goal of the e-Shram card is to ensure that workers in the unorganised sector can easily avail themselves of government schemes and services via the portal.
Key Details of the e-Shram Card
- Scheme Name: e-Shram Card
- Implemented By: Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Launch Date: August 2021
- Eligible Beneficiaries: Workers in the unorganised sector
- Pension Entitlement: ₹3,000 per month
- Insurance Coverage: ₹2 lakh for accidental death, ₹1 lakh for partial disability
- Age Criteria: 16 to 59 years
- Helpline: 14434
What Defines the Unorganised Sector?
The unorganised sector consists of businesses or establishments engaged in selling goods, providing services, or production activities but employing fewer than ten workers. These entities are not covered by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) or the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Any worker engaged in such a setup is classified as an unorganised worker. Additionally, individuals who are self-employed or work from home without ESIC or EPFO membership also fall under this category.
Advantages of Having an e-Shram Card
Workers holding an e-Shram card can access the following benefits:
- A monthly pension of ₹3,000 after reaching 60 years of age.
- Accident insurance coverage, including ₹2 lakh for fatal accidents and ₹1 lakh for partial disability.
- In the event of a worker’s demise due to an accident, the spouse will continue to receive the benefits.
- Each worker is assigned a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) that remains valid nationwide.
Integration with Other Welfare Programs
Although the e-Shram card connects workers to various government welfare schemes, they must register separately for pension benefits under programs like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM).
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM)
The e-Shram portal is now linked to the PM-SYM pension scheme, allowing unorganised sector workers aged 18 to 40 years to enroll using their Universal Account Number (UAN). Under this initiative, beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000 after turning 60, with the government covering half of the contribution.
National Career Service (NCS)
Workers registered on the e-Shram platform can use their UAN to access the NCS portal and explore job opportunities, enhancing their employment prospects.
Skill India Digital Portal
The e-Shram system is also integrated with Skill India, enabling workers to participate in training and apprenticeship programs to improve their skills.
Who Can Apply for an e-Shram Card?
- Be employed in the unorganised sector
- Be aged between 16 and 59 years
- Have a valid Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Not be a taxpayer
How to Register for an e-Shram Card Online
Workers can apply for an e-Shram card either through Common Service Centres (CSCs) or directly via the e-Shram portal. To locate the nearest CSC, users can utilize the portal’s location tool by selecting their state and district.
Step-by-Step Online Registration:
- Visit the e-Shram portal and navigate to the self-registration section.
- Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and the captcha, then click ‘Send OTP.’
- Provide your Aadhaar number, accept the terms, and enter the OTP received on your mobile. Click ‘Validate.’
- Verify your details displayed on the screen.
- Fill in additional information such as address and educational qualifications.
- Select your skill type, work nature, and business category.
- Provide bank account details and complete the self-declaration.
- Click ‘Preview’ to review the entered information, then select ‘Submit.’
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile to confirm the submission.
- Your e-Shram card will be generated and displayed on the screen.
Required Documents for e-Shram Card Registration
To register, applicants must have:
- Aadhaar card
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Bank account details
How to Download the e-Shram Card
After successful registration, follow these steps to download your e-Shram card:
- Visit the e-Shram portal.
- Click on ‘Already Registered’ and choose ‘Update Profile Using UAN.’
- Input your UAN, birth date, and the captcha code, then select ‘Generate OTP.’
- Provide the OTP received on your mobile and click ‘Validate.’
- Confirm your details shown on the screen.
- Click ‘Preview’ to verify all information and select ‘Submit.’
- Enter the final OTP sent to your phone and click ‘Verify.’
- Your e-Shram card will be displayed, which you can download by selecting the ‘Download’ option.
Checking e-Shram Card Payment Status
- Visit the e-Shram portal.
- Click on ‘E-Shram Card Payment List.’
- Enter your e-Shram card number, UAN, or Aadhaar number, then click ‘Submit.’
- The payment status will be displayed on the screen.