The Indian government launched the E-Shram portal to provide social security and employment benefits to workers in the unorganized sector. This initiative aims to offer financial assistance, health benefits, and other services to millions of laborers across the country. In this article, we will cover the details of the E-Shram portal, its registration process, benefits, eligibility criteria, and more.
Table of Contents
What is the E-Shram Portal: E Shram
The E-Shram portal, developed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, is a centralized platform for registering workers from the unorganized sector. The platform collects data on workers in various fields, including construction, agriculture, domestic work, and more, enabling the government to deliver targeted benefits and schemes.
Importance of the E-Shram Portal
The unorganized sector accounts for a significant portion of India’s workforce, but until the launch of E-Shram, these workers had limited access to government welfare programs. This portal aims to bridge the gap by creating a national database for unorganized workers, ensuring their access to social security benefits, skill training, and employment opportunities.
Benefits of the E-Shram Portal
1. Access to Social Security Schemes
- Registered workers are eligible for various social security benefits, including accident insurance, health insurance, and financial support in case of disability.
- The government can offer these benefits more effectively as workers’ data is centrally available.
2. Employment Opportunities and Skill Development
- The E-Shram portal aims to connect workers with job opportunities and skill development programs.
- Workers will have access to government-backed skill training initiatives that enhance their employability in various sectors.
3. Financial Assistance and Emergency Aid
- Registered workers receive financial support during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics.
- This financial aid is essential in providing a safety net to workers who lack stable income sources.
4. Eligibility for Government Schemes
- The E-Shram card acts as proof of employment in the unorganized sector, making it easier for workers to avail themselves of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and other welfare programs.
Who is Eligible for E-Shram Registration?
1. Unorganized Sector Workers
- The portal is specifically for unorganized sector workers, such as construction laborers, agricultural workers, street vendors, domestic helpers, and similar occupations.
2. Age Limit
- Workers aged between 16 and 59 years are eligible to register on the E-Shram portal.
3. Exclusions
- Individuals working in the organized sector, such as government employees or employees in registered companies, are not eligible for registration.
4. Requirements for Registration
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for identity verification.
- Bank Account: A valid bank account is required for benefits to be transferred.
- Mobile Number Linked with Aadhaar: A mobile number linked to Aadhaar is essential for OTP verification during the registration process.
How to Register on the E-Shram Portal
Step-by-Step Guide to E-Shram Registration
The E-Shram registration process is simple and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you register:
- Visit the E-Shram Portal
Go to the official E-Shram website. - Click on the ‘Register on E-Shram’ Button
This option is located on the homepage. Click on it to start the registration process. - Enter Mobile Number Linked to Aadhaar
The portal will ask you to enter your mobile number, which should be linked to your Aadhaar for verification. - OTP Verification
You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to verify your identity. - Fill in Personal Details
You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and occupation. - Upload Necessary Documents
Attach a recent photograph and other required documents, such as your Aadhaar card. - Submit the Application
After filling in all details, review the information and click on ‘Submit.’ - Receive the E-Shram Card
Once the registration is complete, you will receive an E-Shram card with a unique Universal Account Number (UAN). This card will be your identification for accessing benefits and schemes.
How to Download the E-Shram Card
Once you complete the registration, you can download your E-Shram card directly from the portal.
- Log In to the Portal
Use your registered mobile number and OTP to log in. - Click on ‘Download UAN Card’
After logging in, you will find an option to download your UAN card. Click on it to save a digital copy of your E-Shram card. - Print or Save
You can print a physical copy or keep a digital version on your phone for easy access.
Key Features of the E-Shram Card
1. Universal Account Number (UAN)
- The UAN is a unique number assigned to each registered worker, which remains the same even if they change jobs or move to different locations.
2. Portable Social Security Benefits
- The card ensures that workers retain their benefits regardless of where they work in the country.
3. Access to Accident Insurance
- The E-Shram card comes with a built-in accident insurance cover of ₹2 lakhs under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
4. Lifetime Validity
- The card is valid for the worker’s lifetime, making it a long-term resource for accessing various welfare schemes.
Government Schemes Linked to the E-Shram Card
The E-Shram card opens up eligibility for a range of government schemes aimed at providing social security to unorganized workers:
1. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
- A ₹2 lakh accident insurance cover for accidental death and disability.
2. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- A pension scheme to provide financial security to workers after retirement.
3. National Pension Scheme (NPS)
- Provides retirement benefits with government contributions, helping workers save for the future.
4. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM)
- A pension scheme specifically designed for unorganized workers, offering monthly pensions after retirement.
Common Issues Faced During E-Shram Registration and How to Solve Them
While the registration process is relatively simple, some workers face issues that delay their registration:
1. Aadhaar-Mobile Number Mismatch
- If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, visit the nearest Aadhaar center to update it. This is necessary for OTP verification on the E-Shram portal.
2. Invalid Bank Account Details
- Double-check your bank account information to ensure the successful transfer of benefits. Incorrect details can delay the receipt of benefits.
3. Incomplete Personal Details
- Filling in incorrect or incomplete information can lead to registration rejection. Verify all information before submitting.
4. Technical Glitches
- In case of technical issues, try reloading the page or clearing your browser’s cache. If the problem persists, visit the Common Service Center (CSC) for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there any fee for E-Shram registration?
- No, the E-Shram registration process is free of charge for all eligible workers.
2. Can E-Shram registration be done offline?
- Yes, workers can visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) to complete their registration if they face difficulty registering online.
3. What is the validity of the E-Shram card?
- The E-Shram card is valid for a lifetime and does not require renewal.
4. How long does it take to receive benefits after registration?
- Benefits may take a few weeks to start, as data is verified and processed by the authorities.
Future Prospects of the E-Shram Portal
The E-Shram portal is a significant step toward social security for millions of unorganized sector workers. As the portal gains traction, the government aims to expand the range of benefits and schemes available through it. Additionally, the platform may integrate more features, such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and skill-matching programs, to enhance the support provided to the unorganized sector.
Conclusion
The E-Shram portal is a progressive move toward inclusive welfare for unorganized workers in India. Through its comprehensive benefits and services, it provides much-needed support to workers who previously lacked formal social security. The portal not only offers financial assistance but also empowers workers with skill development and job opportunities. As awareness about the E-Shram card grows, it is expected to bring transformative changes to the lives of millions in India’s unorganized workforce, bridging the social security gap and fostering financial stability.
