India’s workforce includes millions of unorganised sector workers—daily wage labourers, construction workers, street vendors, agricultural labourers, domestic helpers, and more—who often do not receive formal recognition or access to social security benefits. To bridge this gap, the Government of India introduced the E-Shram Portal and Labour Card Scheme to bring these workers under the umbrella of national welfare initiatives.Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Free Labour Card (E-Shram Card) aims to register every unorganised worker in the country and provide them with a Universal Account Number (UAN) and a digital labour card. The scheme is not only a step toward formalising India’s vast informal economy but also enables direct access to government benefits such as accident insurance, pension schemes, maternity support, and free skill training.
What makes this initiative even more impactful is that workers can now apply for the Labour Card online from the comfort of their homes without any cost. The registration process is simple, requiring only basic documents like an Aadhaar card and a bank account.
What is the E‑Shram Card?
The E‑Shram Card is a government-issued labour card for unorganised sector workers, introduced by the Ministry of Labour & Employment. It registers you on the National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW), assigning a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) to access multiple social security schemes.
Who is Eligible?
- You can apply if you are:
- An unorganised sector worker (e.g., construction laborer, domestic helper, street vendor, agricultural labourer) aged 16–59 years .
- Not a member of ESIC or EPFO.
- Not an income tax payer .
- A resident of India with an Aadhaar-linked mobile number and a bank account
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card (with linked mobile)
- Active bank account
- Proof of occupation (electricity bill or ration card may be required)
How to Apply Online from Home
- Visit the official portal: eshram.gov.in or go through your nearest Common Service Center (CSC)
- Click on ‘Register on E‑Shram’ and fill in personal details, bank, and occupation info.
- Complete Aadhaar OTP verification.
- Upload your documents.
- Submit the form and receive your 12-digit UAN number instantly
easyhindi.in - There is no offline PDF form—applications are processed online or via CSCs only.
Key Benefits of the Labour Card
Accident and Disability Insurance
- Up to ₹2 lakh for permanent disability or death
- ₹1 lakh for partial disability
Pension
₹3,000/month through the PM‑Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme after the age of 60
Maternity & Health Benefits
- Maternity financial assistance for pregnant workers .
- Access to free or subsidised medical care through various state and central programs .
Educational Support
- Scholarships for children of labour-card holders
Welfare & Skill Enhancement
- Priority access to welfare schemes like PMAY housing, toolkits, and subsidised credit.
- Skill development and entrepreneurship programs
Scheme Integration
- Enables access to multiple schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, PMAY, PM Suraksha Bima, Atal Pension Yojana, etc.
How to Check Status or Download
- Visit eshram.gov.in.
- Use “Check E‑Shram Status” via your UAN or Aadhaar number
- Download or print your labour card after logging in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the E-Shram Card?
Ans:
The E-Shram Card is a unique identification card issued by the Government of India to unorganised sector workers. It provides access to various welfare schemes, including insurance, pension, and employment support.
Q2. Who can apply for the Labour (E-Shram) Card?
Ans:
Any Indian citizen working in the unorganised sector, aged 16 to 59 years, and not registered under EPFO or ESIC, can apply for the E-Shram Card.
Q3. What are the benefits of having an E-Shram Card?
Ans:
- ₹2 lakh accident insurance
- ₹3,000 monthly pension after 60 years (under PM-SYM)
- Maternity and health assistance
- Children’s education support
- Priority in government schemes
- Access to PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, Atal Pension Yojana, and more
Q4. What documents are required to apply?
Ans:
- Aadhaar card linked with mobile number
- Active bank account
- Proof of profession (optional in some states)
Q5. Is there any fee to apply for the Labour Card?
Ans:
No. Registration is completely free on the official portal (eshram.gov.in) or through Common Service Centers (CSCs).
Q6. How can I apply online for the Labour Card?
Ans:
You can apply by visiting the official portal eshram.gov.in and clicking on “Register on E-Shram”. Fill in your personal details, complete Aadhaar OTP verification, and submit your application.
Q7. I don’t have a smartphone. How can I apply?
Ans:
You can visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Center) where officials will help you fill and submit your application.
Q8. How to check my E-Shram card status or download it?
Ans:
Visit eshram.gov.in, log in using your UAN or Aadhaar number, and check your status or download your card.
Q9. How long is the E-Shram Card valid?
Ans:
The E-Shram Card is valid for 5 years and needs to be updated in case of changes in your occupation or personal details.
