E-Shram: One Stop Solution for Unorganised Workers
The Indian government has taken significant steps to support unorganised workers through the launch of the eShram portal. Initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, this platform aims to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). By linking the database with Aadhaar, the government ensures that workers can easily register and access various benefits. As of January 28, 2025, over 30.58 crore unorganised workers have registered on the portal, showcasing its growing importance in the lives of many.
The Growth of eShram Portal
The eShram portal has seen remarkable growth since its inception. In the year 2024 alone, from January 1 to December 31, the portal recorded over 1.23 crore new registrations. This translates to an impressive average of 33,700 registrations per day. The increasing number of registrations highlights the need for a structured system to support unorganised workers, who often lack access to social security and welfare schemes.
The portal serves as a vital resource for these workers, providing them with a Universal Account Number (UAN) upon registration. This number not only facilitates access to various government schemes but also helps in tracking their benefits. The eShram portal is more than just a registration platform; it is a comprehensive solution designed to empower unorganised workers by connecting them with essential services and opportunities.
Key Features of eShram Portal
The eShram portal is equipped with several key features aimed at enhancing the welfare of unorganised workers. One of the most significant integrations is with the National Career Service (NCS) Portal. This allows registered workers to search for job opportunities using their UAN. The seamless registration process on both platforms ensures that workers can easily find suitable employment.
Additionally, the portal is linked with the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) scheme, which provides a pension for unorganised workers aged between 18 and 40 years. This scheme guarantees a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 after the age of 60, significantly improving financial security for workers. The government covers 50% of the contributions, making it an attractive option for many.
Moreover, the eShram portal captures essential family details of migrant workers and shares data with states to facilitate their registration in respective Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) boards. This feature is crucial for ensuring that workers receive the benefits they are entitled to, regardless of their location.
Integration with Social Security Schemes
In line with the government’s vision to create a one-stop solution for unorganised workers, the eShram portal has integrated various social security and welfare schemes. Launched on October 21, 2024, this initiative allows registered workers to access multiple benefits through a single platform. Currently, 12 different schemes from various Central Ministries and Departments have been mapped 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, among others. By consolidating these schemes, the eShram portal simplifies the process for workers to understand and avail themselves of the benefits available to them.
Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity
To further improve accessibility, the Ministry of Labour and Employment launched a multilingual functionality on the eShram portal on January 7, 2025. This feature, powered by the Bhashini platform, allows workers to interact with the portal in 22 Indian languages. This enhancement is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder workers from accessing essential services.
The eShram portal represents a transformative effort by the Indian government to support unorganised workers. By providing a comprehensive platform that integrates various services and schemes, the government aims to empower these workers and improve their quality of life. As the portal continues to evolve, it holds the potential to significantly impact the livelihoods of millions across the country.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.