The e-Shram portal is a crucial initiative by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). This database aims to facilitate the delivery of welfare benefits and social security measures to unorganised sector workers across the country.
Who is an Unorganised Worker? Any worker who is a home-based worker, self-employed worker, or a wage worker in the unorganised sector, including a worker in the organised sector who is not a member of ESIC or EPFO or a government employee, is considered an Unorganised Worker.
Eligibility Criteria for e-Shram Registration:
- Age should be between 16 and 59 years (as of July 27, 2025, this means born between July 27, 1965, and July 27, 2009).
- Must not be an income taxpayer.
- Must not be a member of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) or the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) or National Pension System (NPS – Govt. funded).
Documents Required for Online Registration:
- Aadhaar Number
- Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number: This is mandatory for OTP verification. If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, you will need to visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) or State Seva Kendra (SSK) to register via biometric authentication.
- Savings Bank Account Number with IFSC code: For direct benefit transfers (DBT).
Online Registration Process (Self-Registration):
- Visit the Official e-Shram Portal: Go to the official website: https://eshram.gov.in/
- Click on “Register on eShram”: On the homepage, you will find an option to “REGISTER on eShram.” Click on it.
- Enter Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number and Captcha:
- On the self-registration page, enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Enter the captcha code displayed.
- Answer the questions regarding whether you are an active member of EPFO or ESIC (select “No” if you are an unorganised worker).
- Click on “Send OTP.”
- Enter OTP: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP and click “Submit.”
- Aadhaar e-KYC:
- Select the “Aadhaar Number” option.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Choose “OTP” as the authentication method (the preferred and easiest method for self-registration).
- Enter the captcha code.
- Agree to the consent by checking the box.
- Click “Submit.”
- Validate OTP: Another OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter this OTP and click “Validate.”
- Fill in Personal, Address, Education, and Occupation Details:
- Once your Aadhaar is verified, a registration form will appear.
- Personal Information: Your basic details (name, date of birth, gender) might be pre-filled from Aadhaar. Fill in other required personal details.
- Address Details: Provide your permanent and current address.
- Educational Qualification: Select your educational qualification. (No need to upload certificates, but you can if you want).
- Occupation Details: This is crucial. Select your primary and secondary occupation from the National Classification of Occupation (NCO) list provided on the portal. Choose the occupation that best describes your current work.
- Bank Account Details: Enter your bank account number and IFSC code for receiving benefits.
- Nominee Details (Optional but Recommended): You can add details of a nominee (spouse, children, parents).
- Self-Declaration and Preview:
- Review all the information you have entered.
- Read and agree to the self-declaration.
- Final Submission:
- Click on “Submit.”
- Upon successful registration, your e-Shram card with a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) will be generated and displayed on the screen.
- Download and Print e-Shram Card: Download the PDF of your e-Shram card. It is advisable to print a hard copy for your records.
Benefits of e-Shram Registration:
- Unique Universal Account Number (UAN): A permanent 12-digit UAN card is issued to the unorganised worker.
- Accidental Insurance Coverage: Registered workers get an accidental insurance cover of ₹2 Lakhs under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). In case of accidental death or total permanent disability, ₹2 Lakhs is provided, and in case of partial permanent disability, ₹1 Lakh is provided.
- Social Security Scheme Benefits: The e-Shram portal aims to integrate various social security schemes for unorganised workers. This includes schemes like PM-SYM (pension scheme), PMJJBY, Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY, etc.
- Portability of Benefits: Especially beneficial for migrant workers, allowing them to access social security benefits anywhere in India.
- Tracking and Support during Emergencies: The database helps the government identify and provide assistance to unorganised workers during national crises or pandemics (like COVID-19).
- Job Opportunities and Skill Development: The e-Shram portal is integrated with platforms like the National Career Service (NCS) Portal and Skill India Digital to facilitate job matching and skill enhancement opportunities.
- One-Stop Solution: It aims to become a single platform for unorganised workers to access various social sector schemes and see the benefits they have availed.
Helpdesk: For any queries related to e-Shram registration and grievances, you can contact the National Helpdesk: 14434 / 18008896811 (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM – Daily, including Sundays).
If you face difficulties with online self-registration (e.g., mobile number not linked to Aadhaar), you can visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for assistance. They can help you with the registration process.
