The unorganised workforce is the backbone of the Indian economy. Millions of construction workers, domestic workers, street vendors and farm workers make a daily contribution to the growth of the country. However, a huge number are not covered by the informal social security net. In order to fill this gap, the Government of India introduced the e-SHRAM Card project – a significant move towards identifying and empowering unorganised workers with an integrated digital platform.
IThis blog will cover the concept of the e-SHRAM Card, its application, benefits, its eligibility requirements and why all unorganised workers should have one.
The e-SHRAM Card Scheme: The Basic Concept
In August 2021, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, introduced the e-SHRAM portal. It is the first national database of unorganised workers, called the National Database for Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
The main objective of this program is to gather and compile information on the unorganised sector workers so that they are accorded the appropriate welfare and social security entitlements. The e-SHRAM scheme has since established itself as a pillar supporting the labour welfare system in India, with over 28 crore workers registered (according to government statistics) in it.
Upon registering under the portal, every worker would be provided with a distinct e-SHRAM Card bearing a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) that identifies them nationwide. This card serves as a medium connecting workers with other Government welfare programs.
Important Features of the e-SHRAM Card
The e-SHRAM Card is a valuable instrument to the unorganised workforce in India because it has a number of features that make it essential:
- Universal Account Number (UAN): Each registered worker is provided with a 12-digit number, which is valid throughout his or her life.
- Nationwide Validity: The card is valid throughout India, and even in cases when workers change their workplace to take a job, the benefits are portable.
- Digital Database: The portal maintains a real-time database of unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers.
- Financial Assistance: Workers are directly linked to government benefits through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
- Free Accident Insurance: Registered workers automatically receive insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
These features collectively help workers gain visibility, financial security, and easier access to welfare schemes.
Who All Can Apply for the e-SHRAM Card?
The e-SHRAM scheme is designed specifically for individuals working in the unorganised sector.
Definition of Unorganised Workers
According to the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, an unorganised worker is anyone who works in an unregistered enterprise or is self-employed and not covered under ESIC or EPFO.
Examples of Eligible Workers
- Agricultural labourers and farmhands
- Construction workers and daily wage earners
- Domestic helpers and cleaners
- Street vendors and hawkers
- Drivers, rickshaw pullers, and delivery personnel
- Gig economy workers (e.g., app-based drivers and freelancers)
- Small shop workers, barbers, tailors, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Must be between 16 and 59 years.
- Employment Type: Should be working in the unorganised sector.
- Aadhaar Requirement: Must have an Aadhaar number linked with a mobile number.
- Bank Account: Active bank account for receiving benefits through DBT.
Documentation Criteria for e-SHRAM Card Registration
To complete registration, applicants need only a few essential documents:
- Aadhaar Card: Primary proof of identity and age.
- Bank Account Details: Including account number and IFSC code.
- Aadhaar-Linked Mobile Number: Required to verify identity via OTP.
- Personal Details: Such as name, address, occupation, income range, and educational qualification.
These minimal document requirements make the process simple and accessible, especially for workers with limited formal paperwork.
How to Apply Online for e-SHRAM Card : A Step-by-Step Process
Applying for the e-SHRAM Card online is quick and free of cost. Workers can apply online themselves or visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for assistance.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website to Apply Online
Go to the official e-SHRAM apply online portal with the URL https://eshram.gov.in.
Step 2: Initiate the Registration Process
Click on the tab “Register on e-SHRAM”.
Enter the mobile number that is linked to your Aadhaar, type in in the captcha code, and click on “Send OTP”.
Step 3: Verify the OTP
Enter the OTP received on your mobile number to proceed.
Step 4: Fill in other Personal Details
Submit personal details such as name, occupation, educational qualification, and address.
Step 5: Add Bank Details
Enter your bank account number and IFSC code for easy benefit transfers.
Step 6: Submit and e-SHRAM card Download
After submitting the form at the e-SHRAM portal, your e-SHRAM Card will be generated instantly. Do the e-SHRAM Card download and save a digital copy or print it for future reference.
Alternatively, workers can register offline at any CSC centre, where staff will help with data entry and document verification.
Advantages of the e-SHRAM Card
The e-SHRAM Card opens the door to multiple social security and welfare benefits that were previously difficult for unorganised workers to access.
1. Insurance Coverage
Registered workers receive free accident insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY):
- ₹2 lakh for accidental death or full disability.
- ₹1 lakh for partial disability.
2. Direct Access to Government Schemes
The e-SHRAM database helps identify eligible beneficiaries for welfare programmes such as:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM)
3. Financial Assistance and Emergency Support
During crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the database enables direct financial transfers and targeted relief to affected workers.
4. Future Employment Opportunities
As the database grows, it may serve as a recruitment platform connecting skilled workers to employers in different sectors.
5. Social Security Coverage
Over time, e-SHRAM registration will integrate with other social welfare initiatives, ensuring access to pensions, maternity benefits, and health schemes.
e-SHRAM Card and Social Welfare Integration
One of the strongest advantages of e-SHRAM registration is how it integrates with multiple central and state-level welfare schemes. The government aims to ensure that no eligible worker is left out of support initiatives due to lack of identification.
Some key schemes linked with e-SHRAM include:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) – Life insurance cover.
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY) – Pension benefits for old age.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) – Accidental insurance coverage.
- PM-KISAN Yojana – Financial support for small and marginal farmers.
By linking these schemes to a single UAN, the e-SHRAM platform ensures simplified verification, faster disbursal of benefits, and efficient tracking of welfare delivery.
How to Check e-SHRAM Card Status and Download It
Once registered, workers can easily check the status or reprint their e-SHRAM Card using the following steps:
- Visit https://eshram.gov.in.
- Click on “Already Registered? Update Profile”.
- Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, or registered mobile number.
- Verify using OTP sent to your mobile.
- View your profile and download or print your e-SHRAM Card.
This simple process allows workers to maintain updated information and ensure continued access to benefits.
Mistakes to Avoid During e-SHRAM Card Registration
While registering for the e-SHRAM Card, workers often make avoidable errors that delay or invalidate their application. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Use only Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers to receive OTP verification.
- Ensure that bank details are correct and match your Aadhaar information.
- Enter accurate occupational and income data to qualify for relevant schemes.
- Update your profile regularly if you change occupation, location, or contact details.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures smooth registration and uninterrupted benefits.
Importance of the e-SHRAM Card for Unorganised Sector Workers in India
In India, the unorganised sector provides almost 80 percent of the total workforce but such employees do not usually get job security, health benefits and official recognition. The e-SHRAM Card transforms that by introducing them to the formal system.
With this scheme:
- Workers gain legal identity and access to social welfare.
- The policymakers obtain dependable data in order to develop specific schemes.
- The country is moving a step closer to achieving universal social protection.
To millions of gig workers, migrant labourers and informal earners, the e-SHRAM Card is synonymous to dignity, security and inclusion, a major milestone of inclusive economic development.
Final Thoughts:
The e-SHRAM Card is not just a Government paper, but a savior of the unorganised workforce in India. It provides coverage, identification and a key for entry into various social security schemes. Workers can enroll in the portal e-SHRAM to assure that they belong to a national system that appreciates and protects their input.
In case you or a person in your circles are employed in the unorganised industry, then spare just a few minutes to register online at https://eshram.gov.in. It is easy, it is free and it can contribute immensely towards your financial stability and security in the future.
If you run a business, you can encourage your workers to get an e-SHRAM card as well. And, do not ignore business insurance at any cost. At BimaKavach, we provide reliable and customizable insurance solutions designed to safeguard your business from unexpected financial setbacks. We meet the unique needs of businesses at every stage, empowering them with unwavering support.
