eShram Portal: Empowering Unorganised Workers in India
The Ministry of Labour and Employment in India launched the eShram portal on August 26, 2021. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) that is linked to Aadhaar. The eShram portal serves as a vital tool for registering and supporting unorganised workers across the country. By providing a Universal Account Number (UAN) based on self-declaration, the portal facilitates access to various benefits and services. As of December 1, 2024, over 30.43 crore unorganised workers have registered on the eShram portal, with a significant number coming from rural areas.
The Impact of eShram on Rural Workers
As of December 1, 2024, approximately 27.22 crore informal workers from rural regions have registered on the eShram portal. This highlights the portal’s crucial role in reaching out to unorganised workers, who often lack access to formal employment benefits. The government has taken several steps to increase awareness among these workers, particularly in rural areas.
Periodic review meetings with States and Union Territories (UTs) have been held to assess the progress of the initiative. Regular meetings with Common Services Centres (CSCs) have also been conducted to ensure that workers receive the necessary support. The integration of eShram with the National Career Service (NCS) and Skill India Digital Portal aims to provide employment and skilling opportunities. Additionally, the portal is linked with the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM) scheme to facilitate enrollment under pension schemes.
To further enhance accessibility, the eShram portal is integrated with the myScheme portal, which offers a one-stop search for various government schemes. An SMS campaign has been launched to create awareness, and social media platforms are being utilized to encourage registrations. State Seva Kendras (SSKs) and CSCs are also onboarded to assist unorganised workers in the registration process. Furthermore, the eShram portal is available on the Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG app), allowing workers to register and update their information conveniently from their mobile devices.
eShram: A One-Stop Solution for Social Security
On October 21, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Employment introduced the eShram–“One-Stop-Solution.” This initiative integrates various social security and welfare schemes into a single portal, making it easier for unorganised workers to access benefits. So far, 12 schemes from different Central Ministries and Departments have been integrated with eShram.
These schemes include the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Other notable schemes include the Prime Minister Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi), PM Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U), PM Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G), and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The integration of these schemes into the eShram portal simplifies the process for workers to access various benefits. This initiative not only streamlines the registration process but also ensures that unorganised workers can easily navigate through the available social security options. The government aims to enhance the welfare of these workers by providing them with a comprehensive platform that addresses their needs.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The eShram portal represents a significant step towards empowering unorganised workers in India. However, challenges remain in ensuring that all eligible workers are aware of and can access the portal. Continuous efforts are needed to raise awareness, particularly in remote areas where access to technology may be limited.
The government must also focus on improving the user experience of the eShram portal. Simplifying the registration process and providing adequate support through various channels will be crucial in achieving higher registration rates. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the portal’s impact will help identify areas for improvement.
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