Introduction
The e-Shram Portal—a vision of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India—was officially launched on 26 August 2021. Its purpose: to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW), a first-of-its-kind initiative to digitally register workers from the informal sector across India, seeded with Aadhaar to ensure verifiable unique identities. Registration on the portal is completely free of cost
Objectives & Significance
The portal addresses critical gaps in welfare delivery by:
- Centralising data of unorganised workers—domestic workers, street vendors, gig workers, construction labourers, and more—to streamline policy targeting and implementation.
- Enabling financial inclusion through direct benefit transfers, enhancing resilience and reducing dependency.
- Facilitating job matching and skill development by linking workers with opportunities digitally.
Key Features
- Universal Account Number (UAN): Every registered worker receives a 12-digit UAN—Aadhaar-linked and permanent—forming the basis for identity and benefit access.
- Ease of Registration: Workers can register themselves online using minimal documents—Aadhaar, mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and bank details—or avail assisted registration via Common Service Centres (CSC) and State Seva Kendras (SSKs).
- Multilingual Support: Ensures accessibility across India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
- Grievance Redressal: Dedicated helpline (14434 / 1800-889-6811) and online grievance mechanisms offer support.
- Integration with Key Schemes & Portals:
- National Career Service (NCS): Enables job searches via UAN.
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM): A pension scheme offering ₹3,000/month after age 60, for workers aged 18–40; contributions are shared between the worker and the government.
- Skill India Digital Portal: Provides upskilling and apprenticeship avenues.
- myScheme: A discovery platform for government schemes based on eligibility.
- Various Central Schemes: Like PMSBY, PMJJBY, PMAY-Urban/Gramin, PM-SVANidhi, Ayushman Bharat, MGNREGA, etc.
- One-Stop-Solution (Launched 21 October 2024): A consolidated access point for multiple welfare schemes and benefits in one portal.
- UMANG App Integration: Allows registration and access via mobile app; by 19 December 2024, over 19,000 registrations were through UMANG.
- Data Sharing Portal (DSP): A secure mechanism to share worker data with states and UTs, enabling targeted welfare delivery. Integration with Gati Shakti Portal ensures workers can connect with infrastructure-linked jobs. Press Information Bureau+1
Eligibility Criteria
Workers seeking e-Shram registration must:
- Be aged between 16 and 59 years. eshram.gov.inPress Information Bureau
- Be part of the unorganised sector (self-employed or wage-based, not under ESIC or EPFO).
- Have an Aadhaar card, a mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and a bank account for benefit transfers.
- Shouldn’t be an income tax payer.
Coverage & Impact
By December 19, 2024, the portal had amassed 30.48 crore registrations, making it the largest global repository for informal workers.
Some top states by registration numbers include:
- Uttar Pradesh: 8.37 crore
- Bihar: 2.95 crore
- West Bengal: 2.64 crore
- Madhya Pradesh: 1.84 crore
- Maharashtra: 1.73 crore
During October 2024, registration peaked with 97,839 registrations in a single day and averaged 60,000 registrations daily.
Benefits for Workers
- Pension Security: PM-SYM guarantees ₹3,000/month after age 60.
- Financial & Accident Support: Coverage under schemes like PMSBY, PMJJBY, and others. Tax2WinPress Information Bureau
- Job Access & Skill Development: Via NCS and Skill India portals.
- Scheme Discovery: Easier access to PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, MGNREGA, etc., directly through e-Shram.
- Quick Support in Emergencies: Rapid assistance during crises like pandemics through centralised targeting.
Conclusion
The e-Shram Portal is a digital transformation offering security, visibility, and opportunity to the unorganised workforce that powers much of India’s economy. From seamless registration to access to pensions, jobs, skills, and welfare schemes, it empowers millions—bringing transparency, inclusion, and dignity into the labour ecosystem.