The Central Government has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the underprivileged in India. Among these initiatives, the E-Shram Yojana stands out as a significant effort to provide social security and welfare benefits to workers in the unorganized sector. This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the E-Shram Card and explain the benefits you can expect from the scheme.
Introduction to the E-Shram Yojana
The E-Shram Yojana was launched by the Central Government to create a comprehensive national database of unorganized workers, linking them with their Aadhaar numbers. The goal is to offer these workers access to social security and welfare schemes that can improve their quality of life.
Who Can Register?
The E-Shram portal is designed to register unorganized workers, including:
- Migrant workers
- Domestic workers
- Agricultural workers
- Dairy farmers
- Vegetable and fruit sellers
- Brick kiln workers
- Fishermen
- Woodcutters
- Carpenters
- Workers involved in labeling and packing
- Sericulture workers
- Salt workers
- Building and construction workers
- Home appliance workers
- News appliance workers
- Auto drivers
- Silk factory laborers
- MGNREGA workers
- Street vendors
The portal covers over 400 occupations across 30 broad industrial sectors.
Eligibility Criteria for E-Shram Card
To apply for an E-Shram Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Age: The applicant must be between 18 and 59 years of age.
- Occupation: The applicant must belong to the unorganized sector.
Benefits of the E-Shram Card
The E-Shram Card offers several key benefits to registered workers:
- Financial Assistance: A monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 will be credited to the cardholder’s bank account.
- Medical Insurance: Cardholders are eligible for medical insurance coverage of up to Rs 2 lakhs.
- Pension Benefits: Workers over the age of 60 can receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000.
- Accident Insurance: Cardholders can avail themselves of accident insurance benefits.
- Atal Pension Yojana: Cardholders are also eligible for the Atal Pension Yojana, which provides additional financial security in old age.
How to Apply for an E-Shram Card
Step 1: Visit the E-Shram Portal
Go to the official E-Shram portal e-shram.gov.in using your preferred web browser.
Step 2: Self-Registration
- Click on the “Register on E-Shram” button on the homepage.
- Enter your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.
- Fill in the captcha code displayed on the screen.
- Click on the “Send OTP” button to receive a One-Time Password on your registered mobile number.
Step 3: Aadhaar Verification
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile.
- The portal will automatically fetch your Aadhaar details for verification.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
- Fill in your personal details, including name, date of birth, gender, and address.
- Select your occupation from the list provided in the drop-down menu.
- Provide additional details such as educational qualifications and skills, if required.
- Upload any necessary documents as prompted by the portal.
Step 5: Submit the Application
- Review all the information entered to ensure accuracy.
- Submit your application by clicking on the “Submit” button.
- After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt, which includes your unique E-Shram Card number.
Step 6: Receive Your E-Shram Card
Once your application is successfully processed, your E-Shram Card will be issued. You can download and print the card from the portal for future reference.
Conclusion
The E-Shram Yojana is a significant step towards providing much-needed social security to India’s unorganized workers. By registering on the E-Shram portal, workers can access a range of benefits designed to improve their financial stability and overall well-being. If you or someone you know falls within the eligibility criteria, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity by following the simple application process outlined above.