India's unorganized workforce - daily wage earners, construction workers, domestic helpers, street vendors, gig workers - forms the backbone of our economy. Yet, they often lack any form of financial protection or social security.
To bridge this gap, the Government of India launched the e-Shram Card Yojana - a national initiative aimed at providing economic safety and dignity to workers in the informal sector.
Let's understand what this scheme offers, how it works, and how you can benefit from it.
The e-Shram Card is a government-issued identification card linked to a centralized database of unorganized workers. It ensures that workers are eligible for a range of welfare benefits - both current and in the future - through direct government support.
Each registered worker gets a Unique Identification Number (UAN) and access to insurance, pensions, financial aid, and future benefits under social welfare schemes.
|
Feature |
Benefit |
|
Monthly Pension |
₹3,000/month after age 60 under PM Shram Yogi Maandhan |
|
Monthly Income Support |
₹1,000/month (state-specific support where applicable) |
|
Accidental Insurance |
₹2 Lakh for accidental death (via Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana) |
|
Disability Coverage |
₹1 Lakh for partial or permanent disability |
|
National Database Linkage |
Access to multiple government welfare schemes in one card |
|
Zero Registration Cost |
Absolutely free registration and lifetime UAN |
To be eligible for the e-Shram Card, you must:
Be working in the unorganized sector (daily wagers, agricultural laborers, domestic helpers, street vendors, gig workers, construction workers, etc.)
Be between 16 and 59 years of age
Not be paying income tax
Have an Aadhaar-linked mobile number and bank account
📝 Note: Government and organized sector employees are not eligible.
Under PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, e-Shram cardholders are automatically eligible for accident insurance of ₹2 lakh in case of accidental death.
In the event of partial or permanent disability, the worker gets ₹1 lakh compensation.
If the worker contributes regularly to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, they become eligible for a ₹3,000 pension per month after the age of 60.
Some state governments (like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) provide ₹500 to ₹1,000 monthly financial aid directly to the bank accounts of e-Shram cardholders.
Cardholders may get priority access to PMAY (housing), Ayushman Bharat (health), and ration card services, when integrated with their UAN.
There are two easy ways:
Visit the official portal: https://eshram.gov.in
Click on "Register on e-Shram"
Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and complete OTP verification
Fill in personal and occupational details
Submit and download your e-Shram card
Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or State Labour Office with your Aadhaar card and bank details for assisted registration.
If you've registered and are eligible for monthly aid or pension, here's how you can check your payment:
Go to eshram.gov.in
Click on "e-Shram Payment Status" or "Shramik Maintenance Allowance" (varies by state)
Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
Click Submit to see your payment status
Alternatively, you can also check your bank statement for credited amounts under scheme names.
There is no charge for registering or updating details
Update your card if you change occupation, address, or bank account
The e-Shram card is valid across India
Future schemes for unorganized workers will be linked with this card
India has over 38 crore unorganized workers. The e-Shram card is not just a welfare measure - it's a step towards inclusive growth, ensuring financial protection, crisis resilience, and retirement dignity for millions who keep our economy running.
Street Vendors & Hawkers
Construction Workers
Domestic Helpers
Gig Workers (e.g., food delivery, ride-sharing)
Agricultural Labourers
Rickshaw Pullers
Migrant Workers
MGNREGA Workers
You can call the e-Shram helpline at 14434 (toll-free) for assistance in regional languages.
If you or someone in your family is working without formal employment or social security, the e-Shram Card Yojana is a must-have. From accident insurance to pensions and emergency support, this scheme ensures dignity and safety for those who need it most.
👉 Don't wait - register today and secure your future.