e-Shram Portal: India’s Largest Digital Database of Unorganised Workers - Features, Benefits & Eligibility

Why in News?

• The e-Shram Portal has crossed 31.78 crore registrations, reinforcing its position as India’s largest digital database of unorganised workers. 
• The platform plays a crucial role in extending social security, welfare benefits, and employment opportunities to workers in the informal sector.

What is the e-Shram Portal?

• The e-Shram Portal is a national digital platform launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26 August 2021 to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
• It is India's first comprehensive database of unorganised workers, including:
  • Migrant workers
  • Construction workers
  • Gig workers
  • Platform workers
  • Domestic workers
  • Street vendors
  • Agricultural workers
  • Other informal sector workers

Objectives of the e-Shram Portal

• The portal aims to:
  • Create a centralised database of unorganised workers.
  • Improve the implementation of social security and welfare schemes.
  • Facilitate employment matching and skill development.
  • Integrate informal workers into the formal economy.
  • Promote financial inclusion through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and digital payments.
  • Enable evidence-based policymaking using reliable worker data.

Eligibility for Registration

• A person can register on the e-Shram Portal if he/she:
  • Is an unorganised worker.
  • Is between 16 and 59 years of age.
  • Is not a member of EPFO, ESIC, or the government-funded National Pension System (NPS)
• Possesses:
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Aadhaar-linked mobile number
  • Bank account

Key Features of the e-Shram Portal

1. Universal Account Number (UAN)

• Every registered worker receives a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) linked with Aadhaar. 
• The UAN enables seamless access to various government welfare schemes. 

2. Easy Registration

• Self-registration is available with minimal documentation. 
• Registration requires only Aadhaar, mobile number, and bank account details. 

3. Multilingual Support

• The portal is available in multiple Indian languages, making it accessible across the country. 

4. Grievance Redressal

• A dedicated helpline and grievance redressal mechanism help resolve workers' issues promptly.

5. Employment and Skill Linkages

Registered workers can access:

• Employment opportunities 
• Skill development programmes 
• Apprenticeships 
• Pension schemes 
• Digital skilling initiatives 
• State-specific welfare schemes 

6. Support for Migrant Workers

• Family details of migrant workers are captured. 
• This facilitates access to child education and women-centric welfare schemes. 

7. Integration with BOCW Welfare Boards

• Data of registered construction workers is shared with Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Welfare Boards. 
• This enables eligible workers to receive benefits under BOCW welfare schemes. 

8. Data Sharing Portal (DSP)

• Enables secure sharing of beneficiary data with State Governments and Union Territories. 
• Supports better implementation of welfare programmes. 

Significance of the e-Shram Portal

• Strengthens India's social security architecture for the informal workforce.
• Improves targeting and delivery of welfare schemes.
• Promotes financial inclusion and digital governance.
• Generates reliable labour market data for evidence-based policymaking.
• Enhances employment opportunities through skill and job matching.

FAQs: e-Shram Portal