The unorganized sector forms the backbone of India’s economy, employing over 90% of the country’s workforce. However, workers in this sector have long struggled with lack of social security, formal recognition, and access to welfare schemes. To address these issues and create a comprehensive database of unorganized workers, the Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the eShram portal on August 26, 2021. 

What is the eShram Portal?

The eShram portal (eshram.gov.in) is a centralized platform aimed at creating the first-ever National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) in India. It allows unorganized workers to register themselves and obtain a Universal Account Number (UAN) and eShram card.

The portal captures key details of workers such as name, occupation, address, educational qualification, skills etc. and links this information to their Aadhaar number.

Some key facts about the eShram portal:

  • Launched on August 26, 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • First centralized database of unorganized workers in India
  • Provides Universal Account Number (UAN) and eShram cards to registered workers
  • Completely free registration process
  • Available in 13 languages

As of July 31, 2024, over 29.85 crore unorganized workers have registered on the eShram portal. This massive enrollment in less than 3 years highlights the portal’s widespread adoption and impact.

e shram card

Objectives of the eShram Portal

The eShram portal was launched with the following key objectives:

  • Create a centralized database of all unorganized workers including construction workers, migrant workers, gig and platform workers, street vendors, domestic workers, agriculture workers etc.
  • Improve implementation efficiency of social security services for unorganized workers.
  • Enable integration of social security schemes run by various ministries for unorganized workers.
  • Allow sharing of registered worker information with stakeholders like central/state government departments and agencies for delivering welfare schemes.
  • Facilitate portability of social security and welfare benefits for migrant and construction workers.
  • Provide a comprehensive database to tackle any national crisis like COVID-19 in the future.
  • Formalize the unorganized sector by integrating it with platforms like National Career Service.

Who Can Register on the eShram Portal?

Any unorganized worker meeting the following criteria is eligible to register on the eShram portal:

  • Should be an unorganized worker
  • Age between 16-59 years
  • Not a member of EPFO/ESIC or NPS (Government funded)

The portal defines an unorganized worker as: “Any worker who is a home-based worker, self-employed worker or wage worker in the unorganized sector, including workers in the organized sector who are not members of ESIC, EPFO or government employees.”

This broad definition covers a wide spectrum of workers across various occupations and sectors.

Registration Process on eShram Portal

The eShram portal offers multiple modes of registration to ensure ease of access:

  1. Self-registration:

  • Through the eShram portal website (eshram.gov.in)
  • Using the UMANG mobile app
  1. Assisted registration:

  • At Common Service Centers (CSCs)
  • At State Seva Kendras (SSKs)

Documents required for registration

  • Aadhaar Card number
  • Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
  • Savings bank account number with IFSC code

How to Register on E-Sharam Card Portal?

To register on e-shram portal, follow the steps provided below:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

  • Go to the official eShram portal: https://eshram.gov.in
  • The website is available in multiple languages. Choose your preferred language from the top right corner.

Step 2: Click on “Register on eShram”

  • On the homepage, you’ll see a button that says “Register on eShram”. Click on this button.

Step 3: Enter Mobile Number

  • Enter your mobile number. Make sure this number is linked to your Aadhaar card.
  • Enter the captcha code shown on the screen.
  • Click on “Send OTP”.

Step 4: Verify Mobile Number

  • You’ll receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your mobile number.
  • Enter this OTP in the space provided on the website.
  • Click on “Verify OTP”.

Step 5: Aadhaar Authentication

  • Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
  • Choose your preferred authentication method: OTP or Biometric.
  • For OTP method: Click on “Send OTP” and enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  • For Biometric method: You’ll need to visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) or other authorized center.

Step 6: Fill Personal Details

  • Most of your personal details will be auto-filled from your Aadhaar data.
  • Fill in any missing information like your email ID, father’s name, mother’s name, etc.
  • Select your category (General, SC, ST, OBC).
  • Enter your educational qualifications.

Step 7: Enter Address Details

  • Your permanent address will be auto-filled from Aadhaar.
  • If your current address is different, you can enter it separately.

Step 8: Occupation Details

  • Select your occupation category and specific occupation from the dropdown menus.
  • Enter details about your work experience and skills.

Step 9: Bank Account Details

  • Enter your bank account number and IFSC code.
  • This is important for receiving any financial benefits.

Step 10: Review and Submit

  • Carefully review all the information you’ve entered.
  • If everything is correct, click on “Submit”.

Step 11: Download eShram Card

  • After successful submission, you’ll be able to download your eShram card.
  • Save this card on your phone or take a printout for future use.

How to Apply Online on e-Sharam Portal?

The process described above is essentially how you apply online for the eShram card. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you have other options:

Option 1: Apply for e-Shram Card Through UMANG App

  • Download the UMANG app on your smartphone.
  • Search for “eShram” in the app.
  • Follow a similar registration process as described above.

Option 2: Apply for e-Shram Card Through Common Service Centres (CSC)

  • Visit your nearest Common Service Centre.
  • An operator there will help you register on the eShram portal.
  • You might need to pay a small fee for this service.

Option 3: Apply for e-Shram Card Through State Seva Kendras

  • Many states have set up special centers to help with eShram registration.
  • Visit your nearest State Seva Kendra for assistance.

How to Download e-Shram Card Online?

Once you’ve registered for an eShram card, you can download it anytime. Follow the steps provided below to download the e-shram card online:

  1. Visit the Official Website
  • Open any web browser on your mobile phone.
  • In the search bar, type “eshram”.
  • Click on the official eShram website: https://eshram.gov.in
  1. Navigate to the Registration Page
  • On the homepage, click on the “Register on eShram” button.
  1. Access the Login Menu
  • Look for three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top corner.
  • Click on this menu.
  1. Select “Already Registered” Option
  • In the menu that appears, choose “Already Registered”.
  1. Choose Authentication Method
  • Select the first option: “Update Profile Using Aadhaar”.
  1. Enter Mobile Number
  • Enter the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.
  • Type in the captcha code shown on the screen.
  • Click on “Send OTP”.
  1. Verify OTP
  • You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
  • Enter this OTP in the provided field.
  • Click “Submit”.
  1. Enter Aadhaar Details
  • On the next page, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
  • Choose “OTP” as your authentication method.
  • Enter the captcha code and click “Submit”.
  1. Second OTP Verification
  • You’ll receive another OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  • Enter this OTP and click “Validate”.
  1. Download eShram Card
  • After validation, look for the “Download UAN Card” option.
  • Click on this option.
  1. Final Download
  • You might need to click the download button once more.
  • Your eShram card should now start downloading.

Important Notes:

  • This online process only works if your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar card.
  • If your photo doesn’t appear on the card, you may need to try the process again due to potential website issues.
  • If you’re unable to complete the process online, you may need to visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) for offline assistance.

How to Check e-Shram Card Balance?

The eShram card itself doesn’t have a “balance” in the traditional sense. However, you can check the status of your benefits:

Method 1: eShram Portal

  • Log in to the eShram portal using your UAN and password.
  • Look for a section called “Benefits” or “Schemes”.
  • Here, you should be able to see any schemes you’re enrolled in and their status.

Method 2: SMS

  • Some states have SMS services to check your benefit status.
  • The exact process varies by state, but generally, you’ll need to send an SMS with your UAN to a specific number.

Method 3: Dedicated Scheme Portals

  • For specific schemes like PM-SYM (pension scheme), you might need to check on their dedicated portals.
  • Use your eShram UAN to log in to these portals.

Method 4: Bank Account

  • Regularly check your linked bank account statement.
  • Look for entries mentioning government schemes or DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

Method 5: Visit CSC or State Seva Kendra

  • If you’re having trouble checking online, visit a Common Service Centre or State Seva Kendra.
  • They can help you check the status of your benefits.

Remember, the eShram card is primarily an identification and registration system for unorganized workers. It makes you eligible for benefits, but the actual receipt of benefits depends on various factors including your specific occupation, income level, and the schemes currently active in your state or region.

Key Features of the eShram Portal

The eShram portal offers several innovative features to support unorganized workers:

  • Universal Account Number (UAN): A unique 12-digit number assigned to each registered worker, serving as their worker ID.
  • eShram Card: A downloadable card containing the worker’s key details and UAN.
  • Multiple language support: Available in 13 languages for wider accessibility.
  • Integration with welfare schemes: Facilitates access to various social security and welfare programs.
  • Occupation mapping: Allows registration under 400+ occupations across 30 broad sectors.
  • Skill mapping: Captures workers’ existing skills to enable better job matching.
  • Portability: Enables migrant workers to access benefits across states.
  • Data sharing: Allows sharing of worker data with authorized government agencies for welfare delivery.

Benefits of eShram Registration for Workers

Registration on the eShram portal provides unorganized workers with several key benefits:

  • Formal recognition: Provides official identity as an unorganized sector worker.
  • Accidental insurance: Registered workers are eligible for Rs. 2 lakh accidental insurance coverage.
  • Access to welfare schemes: Facilitates easy enrollment in government welfare programs.
  • Skill development: Enables access to skill upgrade and apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Job opportunities: Integration with National Career Service portal for finding suitable jobs.
  • Pension benefits: Easy registration for pension schemes like Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM).
  • Healthcare coverage: Potential integration with schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
  • Financial inclusion: Bank account linkage enables direct benefit transfers.
  • Crisis support: Helps government provide targeted relief during national emergencies.
  • Data for policy-making: Aids in formulating evidence-based policies for unorganized sector.

Impact and Achievements of eShram Portal

Since its launch in August 2021, the eShram portal has made significant strides in registering and supporting India’s unorganized workforce:

  • Massive registration: Over 29.85 crore workers registered as of July 31, 2024.
  • Wide coverage: Registrations from all states and union territories of India.
  • Sector mapping: Detailed data on workers across 400+ occupations and 30 sectors.
  • Gender inclusion: Significant registration of women workers.
  • Social security net: Millions of workers brought under formal social security coverage.
  • Digital empowerment: Encouraging digital literacy and financial inclusion among workers.
  • Policy insights: Providing valuable data for evidence-based policy-making.
  • Crisis preparedness: Creating a robust database for targeted interventions during emergencies.