Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | e-Shram card, the national database of unorganised workers |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt of India |
| Benefit | A Universal Account Number (UAN) and access to linked social security schemes; no direct cash payment at present |
| Who can apply | Unorganised workers, including home-based, self-employed, wage, migrant, gig and platform workers |
| How it is given | Registration after Aadhaar-based eKYC; linked schemes pay benefits through their own process |
| Apply at | eshram.gov.in, the e-Shram mobile app, or a Common Service Centre (CSC) |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- Registration is free, and no one should charge you for it.
- Aadhaar-based eKYC is compulsory to complete registration.
- At present the card itself gives no direct cash payment.
- The e-Shram card never expires, and there is no last date.
So what does an e-Shram card actually give you?
The main benefit is a Universal Account Number, or UAN. It is a 12-digit number linked to your Aadhaar.
At present, the registration does not pay any cash. It is a central database for social security benefits.
Through the portal, you can see and apply for the schemes you are eligible for. About 15 central schemes are linked so far.
These include PM-SYM pension, PMSBY and PMJJBY insurance, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY health cover, PMAY housing, and PM-KISAN for eligible farmers. Amounts and rules are set by each scheme, so check the official site.
In emergencies or pandemic-like situations, the database may also be used to help eligible workers.
Who can register, and who is left out?
Any unorganised worker can register. This includes home-based workers, self-employed workers and wage workers.
Migrant workers, gig workers and platform workers are also included under the portal.
A worker in the organised sector can register too, but only if they are not a member of ESIC or EPFO, and not a government employee.
Anyone who is a member of EPFO or ESIC, or a government employee, is generally not counted as an unorganised worker here.
Check the official portal for the latest age and eligibility rules before you apply.
Why does this scheme exist?
Most Indian workers work in the unorganised sector. Earlier, there was no central list of them.
The Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 was passed to give these workers a social security framework.
The e-Shram database was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26 August 2021.
Over 31 crore workers have registered so far, according to recent government statements.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card ready, along with the mobile number linked to it.
Keep your bank account details ready, for when you apply for linked schemes.
You will also need to complete Aadhaar-based eKYC during registration.
- 1Open the portalGo to eshram.gov.in or use the e-Shram mobile app, then choose the registration option.
- 2Verify with AadhaarEnter your Aadhaar number and complete OTP-based eKYC. Name, gender, date of birth, address and photo are fetched from UIDAI.
- 3Add your detailsFill in your occupation, education, skill and bank details as asked.
- 4Get your card and UANOnce registration is complete, your e-Shram card and UAN are generated. Download them from the portal.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How do you register online, step by step?
Go to eshram.gov.in and choose the registration option, or use the e-Shram mobile app.
Enter your Aadhaar number and complete the OTP-based eKYC. Your name, gender, date of birth, address and photo are fetched from UIDAI.
Fill in your occupation, education, skill and bank details as asked.
Once registration is complete, your e-Shram card and UAN are generated. You can download them from the portal.
Can you register without a smartphone or internet?
Yes. Visit a nearby Common Service Centre, or CSC, for assisted registration.
The State Sewa Kendras and the UMANG platform also offer assisted registration.
The operator will help with Aadhaar eKYC. Registration is still free, so do not pay anyone for it.
What if your registration or benefit has a problem?
Log in to the portal and check your profile details. Correct any mistake in name, bank or mobile number.
For help, call the central toll-free helpline mentioned on the official website, or raise a grievance through the portal.
Beware of fraud. Never share your OTP, and never pay an agent to register you.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any fee to register on e-Shram?
No. Registration is free. No one should charge you for it.
Does the e-Shram card expire?
No. The e-Shram card never expires, and there is no last date for registration.
Does the e-Shram card give money directly?
At present, there is no direct financial benefit from the registration itself. Linked schemes have their own benefits and rules.
Can I register if I have no smartphone?
Yes. You can visit a Common Service Centre for assisted registration, and it is free.
Can a migrant worker register?
Yes. Migrant workers are included, and the database is meant to help them access benefits even when they move.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
