e-Shram Card: Benefits, Registration, Payment Status & Download

The Indian Government has taken a step ahead and initiated the e-Shram scheme to extend social security measures to the labourers employed in the unorganised sector. Apart from that an e-Shram portal was launched to compile a database of all unorganised workers and facilitate their access to government welfare programs.

Any individual engaged in unorganised labour can submit an application for an e-Shram Card after which they will be entitled to various benefits such as Death Insurance, a monthly pension upon reaching 60 years of age, and financial assistance in cases of partial disability.

Understanding the e-Shram Card

The Shramik Card or e-Shram Card initiative taken by the Indian Government represents a groundbreaking endeavour that aims at providing protection to the labourers employed in the unorganised sector.

It functions as an all-encompassing registry, not only cataloguing these workers but also enabling their access to a diverse array of welfare programs and associated benefits.

Any individual between the ages of 16 and 59 years and engaged in the unorganised sector, is eligible to register for the e-Shram Card. This encompasses a broad spectrum of workers, including manual labourers, daily wage earners, and others involved in informal employment arrangements.

The condition that Applicants must not be affiliated with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), the Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), or the National Pension Scheme (NPS) is of paramount importance.

Details of the e-Shram Card

The following table provides all the pertinent details about the e-Shram Card:

Name of the Scheme	e–Shram Card
Founded by	The Ministry of Labor and Employment
Commencement Date	August 2021
Beneficiaries from the Scheme	Workers of the Unorganised Sector
Benefits of the Pension	Beneficiary receives Rs. 3,000 every Month
Insurance Benefits	Death Insurance of Rs. 2 Lakhs and Rs. 1 Lakh for the Partial Handicap
Age Limit	16-59 years
The Official Website	https://eshram.gov.in/
Helpline Number	14434

What is an Unorganised Sector?

The unorganised sector encompasses establishments or entities involved in the Production, Sale of Goods or rendering of Services, wherein the workforce consists of fewer than ten employees. These units are exempt from coverage under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) regulations.

Any individual engaged in labour within the unorganised sector is deemed as an unorganised worker. In addition to this, the term “unorganised worker” extends to individuals who are self-employed or operate and run home-based businesses, provided they are not registered members of the ESIC or EPFO schemes.

Understanding the Key Benefits that e-Shram Card Hold

A wide range of merits are associated with the e-Shram Card. The key benefits this card holds are as follows:

• Upon reaching 60 years of age, the holders of this card will be entitled to receive a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000, providing financial security during their golden years.
• In the unfortunate event of a worker’s demise, their beneficiaries will receive a substantial Death Insurance coverage of Rs. 2,00,000. Furthermore, if the worker suffers from a partial disability, they will be eligible for financial aid amounting to Rs. 1,00,000, offering crucial support during challenging circumstances.
• In the unfortunate circumstance of the untimely demise of an e-Shram Card beneficiary, their spouse will inherit all associated benefits, ensuring continuity of support for the family.
• Beneficiaries will be assigned a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN), which will hold validity across the entire nation, facilitating seamless access to services and benefits.
• This card serves as a gateway to a comprehensive social security scheme, offering a safety net for unorganised sector workers who have historically lacked access to such provisions.

• In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the scheme provides financial assistance to its beneficiaries, empowering them to navigate challenging economic circumstances.
• This initiative aims to bring together diverse groups of unorganised workers, which includes domestic workers, street vendors, and labourers, under a unified umbrella, fostering a sense of community and collective support.
• By registering for the Shramik Card, workers gain access to enhanced job opportunities, as the scheme facilitates the dissemination of information about potential employment avenues.
• The scheme systematically categorises workers based on their respective fields of work, enabling targeted support and assistance programs.
• In furtherance to this, this card allows students to participate in various programs and initiatives organised by the Central Government, fostering skill development and empowerment among the youth.

Eligibility Criteria for the e-Shram Card

Given below are the well-defined eligibility criteria for the e-Shram Card that one must keep in mind-

1. Eligibility for the e-Shram Card extends to all individuals engaged in the unorganised sector, encompassing a diverse range of unorganised workers and self-employed individuals operating outside the purview of organised labour regulations.
2. To qualify for registration, applicants must fall within the age bracket of 16 to 59 years, ensuring that the scheme caters to the working-age population while excluding minors and those approaching retirement age.
3. A prerequisite for enrollment is the possession of a valid mobile number that is linked to the applicant’s Aadhaar Card, facilitating seamless communication and verification processes throughout the registration and subsequent benefit disbursement procedures.
4. Individuals who are liable to pay income tax are ineligible to apply for Shramik Card registration, as the scheme primarily targets economically disadvantaged sections of the informal workforce.
5. Membership in the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) or the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) renders an individual ineligible for e-Shram Card registration in 2023. These statutory organisations cater to organised sector employees, and their members are thus excluded from the purview of the e-Shram initiative, which focuses on extending benefits to the unorganised workforce.

Step-by-step Guidance to Online Registration of e-Shram Card

Individuals can initiate the application process for the e-Shram Card through two distinct channels: the Common Service Centres (CSCs) or the dedicated e-Shram portal. Eligible applicants have the convenience of visiting the nearest CSC facility to submit their application, or they can leverage the e-Shram portal by providing their state and district details to locate the nearest CSC.

The online application process for obtaining the card involves the following steps:

• Accessing the self-registration page on the e-Shram portal and entering the Aadhaar-linked mobile number, followed by inputting the captcha code and clicking the ‘Send OTP’ button to initiate the verification process.
• Upon submission, a One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the registered mobile number. The applicant must enter this OTP and click the ‘Validate’ button to proceed.
• The next step involves carefully reviewing and confirming the personal details displayed on the screen to ensure accuracy.
• Applicants are then required to furnish additional information, such as their residential address, educational qualifications, and other relevant details.
• Subsequently, applicants must select their specific skill set, the nature of their business or trade, and the category of work they are engaged in.
• Bank account details must be provided, followed by affirming the self-declaration section.
• Before final submission, applicants have the opportunity to preview the entered information by clicking the ‘Preview’ option and verify its accuracy. Upon confirmation, they can proceed by clicking the ‘Submit’ button.
• Another OTP will be delivered to the registered mobile number, which the applicant must enter by clicking the ‘Verify’ button to complete the verification process.
• Upon successful submission, the card will be generated and displayed on the screen, allowing the applicant to download a digital copy by clicking the designated ‘Download’ option.

Documents Required for e-Shram Card

There are some significant documents required to complete the documentation process. The essential documents needed for the e-Shram Card are as follows:

• Aadhar Card
• Bank Account
• The Mobile number which is linked with the Aadhar Card

Step-by-step Procedure to Download e-Shram Card

The procedure to be followed for downloading an e-Shram Card is as follows:

• Visit the official e-Shram portal, which serves as the centralised platform for all activities related to the scheme, including application submission, status tracking, and Card download.
• Upon accessing the portal, locate the ‘Already Registered’ section and select the ‘Update/download UAN Card’ option, indicating your intention to retrieve or update your Unique Account Number (UAN) Card associated with the e-Shram scheme.
• You will be prompted to furnish specific details, including your date of birth, the 12-digit UAN assigned to you, and a captcha code for verification purposes. Once these fields are populated correctly, proceed by clicking the ‘Generate OTP’ button.
• A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the registered mobile number associated with your e-Shram account. Enter this OTP accurately in the designated field and click ‘Validate’ to authenticate your identity and advance to the next step.

• Carefully review the personal details displayed on the screen to ensure their accuracy and consistency with the information provided during the initial registration process.
• Before finalizing the process, you have the opportunity to preview the details you have entered by clicking the ‘Preview’ button. Verify the information meticulously and, if satisfied, proceed by clicking ‘Submit’ to initiate the Card generation process.
• As an additional security measure, you will receive another OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP promptly and click ‘Verify’ to complete the authentication process.
• Upon successful verification, your card will be generated and displayed on the screen, containing all relevant information and entitlements associated with your registration.
• You can finally download a digital copy of your e-Shram Card by clicking on the ‘Download’ option, allowing you to retain a soft copy for future reference or documentation purposes.

How to Monitor Payment Status and Balance in the e-Shram Card?

The process to be followed for monitoring Payment Status and Balance in the e-Shram Card is enlisted below:

• You can initiate the process by accessing the official e-Shram portal, the centralised platform for all activities related to the scheme.
• Within the portal, locate and click on the link labelled ‘E-Aadhaar Card Beneficiary Status Check.’
• You will be prompted to input one of the following identifiers: your card number, the 12-digit Unique Account Number (UAN) assigned to you, or your Aadhaar Card number.

• After entering the required identification detail, proceed by clicking the ‘Submit’ button.
• Upon submission, the portal will display the current payment status associated with your e-Shram account. Carefully review the information provided, which will shed light on any remaining balance or pending payments under the scheme.

e-Shram Card Helpline Number

For any assistance, guidance or further queries related to the e-Shram Card, the eligible beneficiaries can reach out through the dedicated helpline service, which is accessible all the time, seven days a week. The toll-free number for it is 14434.

Alternatively, individuals can also communicate their concerns or seek clarification by sending an email to the official e-Shram email address, eshramcare-mole@gov.in, where designated representatives are available to respond and extend support.

The Final Words

The world of e-Shram cards revolves around ensuring social security to workers in the unorganised sector. It was initiated to provide a centralised database of unorganised workers, and this scheme is bringing smiles to their faces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read our article ESIC Portal For Online Payment: Simplified Procedures