The Government of India launched the E Shram Card scheme as a social security initiative to uplift and protect workers in the unorganised sector. This sector, which includes gig workers, daily-wage earners, street vendors, and agricultural laborers, forms a significant part of India’s workforce. Recognising their contributions, the government initiated the E Shram Card through the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The E Shram Card 2025 provides a unified digital identity for these workers, allowing them to access multiple welfare schemes with ease.
Introduction to the E Shram Card Scheme
The E Shram Card was introduced in August 2021 with the objective of building a national database of unorganised workers. This database is aimed at streamlining the delivery of social welfare benefits. Workers in sectors that are not covered by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) or Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) are eligible for the scheme. The E Shram Card 2025 provides access to insurance, pension, financial assistance, and other government benefits under one platform.
The scheme covers construction workers, domestic workers, self-employed individuals, street vendors, agricultural labourers, and similar categories who typically do not receive social security.
What is the Unorganised Sector?
The unorganised sector comprises establishments or units engaged in the production or sale of goods or services and employing fewer than ten workers. These units usually operate informally and are not registered under labour laws such as ESIC or EPFO.
A person working in this sector is termed an unorganised worker. They may be home-based, self-employed, or employed on a daily wage. Since these workers are often excluded from formal protections, the E Shram Card 2025 brings them into the national welfare fold.
E Shram Card 2025: Scheme Overview
The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in August 2021. The major features of the E Shram Card 2025 are:
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Scheme Name: E Shram Card
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Launched By: Ministry of Labour and Employment
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Beneficiaries: Unorganised sector workers
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Pension Benefit: Rs.3,000 per month after 60 years
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Insurance Coverage: Rs.2 lakh on death and Rs.1 lakh on partial disability
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Eligible Age Group: 16–59 years
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Official Website: https://eshram.gov.in
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Helpline Number: 14434
Benefits of E Shram Card 2025
The E Shram Card 2025 offers various financial and social benefits to its holders. These include:
1. Monthly Pension after Retirement
Unorganised workers registered under the E Shram Card scheme and enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme are eligible for a pension of Rs.3,000 per month after they turn 60. This provides financial support in old age when they may no longer be able to work.
2. Accidental Insurance Coverage
Registered workers receive accident insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). If the worker dies due to an accident, the family will receive Rs.2,00,000. In the case of partial disability, Rs.1,00,000 is provided as financial aid.
3. Universal Account Number (UAN)
Each worker is assigned a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN). This UAN is valid across the country and helps track the worker’s details, skill sets, and employment history. It also ensures continuity of benefits even if the worker migrates to another state.
4. Access to Welfare Schemes
With one registration, workers can access various central and state government schemes like PMSBY, PM-JAY, Skill India, and others. The E Shram Card acts as a single-window entry point for social security programs.
5. Assistance to Family in Case of Death
If a worker registered under the E Shram Card 2025 dies in a mishap, the benefits will be passed on to the spouse or legal heir.
Budget 2025: New Updates for E Shram Card 2025
The Union Budget 2025 highlighted new initiatives for gig workers and unorganised labourers. As part of the updated measures:
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Gig and platform workers will now be issued identity cards and registered under the E Shram Card 2025 initiative.
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Healthcare benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) will be extended to e-Shram registered workers, potentially benefiting over one crore individuals.
These additions signal the government’s growing emphasis on including new-age service economy workers in the social welfare fold.
Integration with Government Portals and Schemes
The E Shram Card 2025 is now integrated with several other government schemes and portals to expand its reach and benefits:
1. PM-SYM Pension Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) is a central pension scheme for unorganised workers. Registered e-Shram users between 18 and 40 years of age can enroll. Upon reaching 60 years, beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of Rs.3,000. The worker contributes a nominal monthly amount while the government matches that contribution.
2. National Career Service (NCS) Portal
E Shram cardholders can access the NCS portal using their UAN to find jobs in their skill domain. This improves employment opportunities and connects them with verified employers.
3. Skill India Digital Portal
The E Shram portal is linked with Skill India for providing skill development, training, and apprenticeship opportunities. Workers can upgrade their skills and increase their income potential.
Eligibility Criteria for E Shram Card
To apply for the E Shram Card 2025, a worker must satisfy the following criteria:
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Should be an unorganised sector worker.
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Age must be between 16 and 59 years.
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Must possess an Aadhaar number linked with a mobile number.
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Should not be an income tax payer.
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Must not be a member of EPFO or ESIC.
These conditions ensure that only unorganised workers benefit from the scheme and that resources are used for the intended beneficiaries.
E Shram Card Registration 2025: How to Apply Online?
There are two methods to apply for the E Shram Card – via the official e-Shram portal or by visiting a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC).
Online Registration Process
Follow these steps to register on the E Shram Card 2025 portal:
Step 1: Visit the official e-Shram portal at https://eshram.gov.in and click on the ‘Self-Registration’ tab.
Step 2: Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and the captcha code. Click on ‘Send OTP.’
Step 3: Enter the OTP, accept the declaration, and proceed with Aadhaar verification.
Step 4: The system will auto-fetch your Aadhaar-based details. You’ll need to verify them.
Step 5: Fill in additional details like address, educational qualifications, and employment type.
Step 6: Choose your skill, nature of work, and business type.
Step 7: Enter your bank account details carefully.
Step 8: Preview all the details before submitting.
Step 9: Submit the application and verify again with the OTP.
Step 10: Your E Shram Card is now generated and displayed on the screen.
Documents Required for E Shram Card 2025
To apply for the E Shram Card, the following documents are necessary:
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Aadhaar card
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Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
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Active bank account
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Age proof (auto-verified via Aadhaar)
There is no requirement to upload documents during the registration, as the Aadhaar authentication ensures verification.
How to Download E Shram Card?
After successful registration, you can download the E Shram Card 2025 easily:
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Visit the e-Shram portal and click on the ‘Already Registered’ tab.
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Choose the ‘Update Profile Using UAN’ option.
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Enter your UAN, date of birth, and captcha. Click on ‘Generate OTP’.
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Enter the OTP sent to your mobile and click ‘Validate’.
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After successful verification, the card will be displayed.
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Click on ‘Download’ to save a copy of your e-Shram card.
It is recommended to take a printout of the card and keep it safe for future use.
E Shram Card Payment Status and Balance Check
To check the payment status under the E Shram Card 2025, follow these steps:
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Go to the official portal https://eshram.gov.in
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Click on the ‘E Shram Card Payment List’ option.
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Enter your UAN, Aadhaar, or E Shram card number.
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Click on ‘Submit’ to view the payment and benefit status.
This feature helps workers track disbursed benefits, insurance payments, and other government contributions.
Importance of E Shram Card in 2025
The E Shram Card 2025 stands as a milestone in ensuring social and financial security for India's most vulnerable workforce. With integrated portals, digital identity, pension schemes, insurance, and access to healthcare and jobs, the card has become a powerful tool for inclusion.
The expansion of benefits to gig and platform workers, introduction of health cover under PM-JAY, and linkage with national skill programs showcase the evolving scope of the E Shram initiative. As India moves toward a digital economy, bringing informal workers into a unified database is essential for their upliftment.
Conclusion
The E Shram Card 2025 is more than just a document; it is a lifeline for crores of unorganised workers across India. With a single card, workers gain access to multiple welfare schemes, security against uncertainties, and a chance to improve their skills and livelihood.
As awareness and accessibility grow, the success of the e-Shram initiative will play an important role in making India’s workforce more inclusive, protected, and empowered.
FAQs
Q1. What is the E Shram Card 2025 and who can apply for it?
Ans. The E Shram Card 2025 is a government-issued identification card for workers in the unorganised sector, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It helps create a national database of workers for delivering welfare schemes. Any Indian citizen aged between 16 to 59 years, working in an unorganised sector and not covered under EPFO/ESIC, and not paying income tax, is eligible to apply.
Q2. What are the benefits of having an E Shram Card?
Ans. Holders of an E Shram Card are entitled to several benefits, including:
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Rs.3,000 monthly pension after the age of 60 (if enrolled under PM-SYM).
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Accidental insurance of Rs.2 lakh (death) and Rs.1 lakh (partial disability).
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Access to various government welfare schemes.
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A 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) valid across India.
Q3. How can I register for the E Shram Card online?
Ans. You can register for the E Shram Card 2025 online by visiting the official portal https://eshram.gov.in. On the homepage, click on ‘Self-Registration,’ enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, and follow the OTP verification process. Then, complete your personal, educational, and occupational details, enter your bank details, and submit the form to generate your e-Shram card.
Q4. Is there any fee to apply for the E Shram Card?
Ans. No, registration for the E Shram Card is completely free. Whether you apply online yourself or through a Common Service Centre (CSC), no government fee is charged for issuing the card.
Q5. What documents are required for E Shram Card registration?
Ans. To register for the E Shram Card, you need:
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Aadhaar card
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Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
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Bank account number There is no need to upload documents, but Aadhaar-based OTP verification is mandatory.
Ans. To check your E Shram Card payment status, visit the e-Shram portal and click on ‘E Shram Card Payment List.’ Enter your E Shram card number, Aadhaar number, or UAN, and click ‘Submit.’ You will see your payment or benefit status on the screen.
Q7. Can gig workers or platform-based workers apply for E Shram Card 2025?
Ans. Yes, as per the latest updates in Budget 2025, gig workers, delivery partners, and platform-based workers can now register on the E Shram portal. They will also be eligible for health benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and other social security schemes once enrolled.