The Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, launched the e-Shram portal which acts as a game changer for the myriad of unorganized workforce in India.
What is an e-Shram portal?
E-Shram portal is a central platform on which the data of over 40 crore informal and unorganised workers is stored. Unorganized workers include domestic workers, street vendors, construction workers and more.
By registering on this platform, these workers will get access to a plethora of opportunities and benefits provided by the government. The portal gives access to financial inclusion opportunities along with other skill development and social security schemes.
Key Details of the e-Shram Portal
Nodal and Implementation Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment
Launch Date: August 26, 2021
Launched by: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Who are Unorganized Workers?
It is important to understand who is an unorganized worker in the context of this scheme. Thus, as per e-Shram, “unorganized workers” are the individuals who are engaged in the informal sector, excluding the agricultural occupations. Thus, examples of unorganized workers are home-based laborers, rickshaw pullers, domestic workers, street vendors and many more. Thus, the e-shram portal was designed to protect workers who are vulnerable to economic instability and access to opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria for e-Shram Portal
To be eligible for the e-Shram Portal, workers must meet the eligibility criteria given below.
- Age should be between 16 and 59 years.
- The worker must not be a beneficiary of NPS, or EPFO/ESIC.
e-Sharm Card Benefits
A registered unorganized worker with an e-shram card can avail the following range of benefits.
1. They will have access to welfare measures, linked to various social security schemes.
2. A total of 38 crore unorganized workers in India has fostered recognition and inclusion via this portal.
3. The workers will get an accidental insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh. The insurance will cover partial disability, permanent disability and death.
4. Registered unorganized workers will get UAN (unique Universal Account Number) for seamless access via the e-Shram Card to various welfare schemes available.
5. The construction workers and the migrants especially get the portability of benefits under the Scheme.
6. This portal has enhanced the effective implementation of various welfare services for informal workers in India.
How to Apply for an e-Shram Card Online?
The interested informal workers can submit their eshram card application either via the e-Shram portal or the Common Service Centre (CSC). If done offline, then the eligible individuals can visit the nearest CSC center, State Seva Kendras, NRLM community cadres, etc by locating it via the e-Shram portal by entering the district and state information.
This is the online method of applying for an e-Shram card. Notably, the entire registration process is free of cost and simple.
1. Visit the e-,Shram portal then go to, the self-registration page.
2. Enter the mobile number which is linked to an Aadhaar card, then enter the captcha code.
3. Click on “send OTP”
4. Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number, then enter “Validate.”
5. The screen will show personal details, confirm them.
6. Enter all the necessary information including educational qualifications and address.
7. Choose the type of work you are in, the nature of your business and skill name.
8. Then enter the bank account details and select a self-declaration.
9. Review the details inserted by clicking on “Preview.”
10. Check the details, then click “Submit.”
11. You will get another OTP on your mobile number, enter it to verify it.
12. Your e-shroud card is ready and will be displayed on the screen.
13. Download the card for future use by clicking on the download option.
Also Read: PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2024: How to Apply Online; STEP-BY-STEP Guide
