The e-Shram Portal 2026 is still relevant in linking the unorganised workforce of India with various welfare schemes of the government. The portal has been launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in India and creates a database for the unorganised workforce along with allotting the unorganised worker a Universal Account Number (UAN) of 12 digits.
The platform includes all types of workers like construction labourers, agricultural labourers, domestic workers, street vendors, auto drivers and gig workers. The main idea behind bringing all such workers on one digital platform is to make the process of availing themselves of the benefits easy for them.
Introduction of the e-Shram Portal
The e-Shram Portal is a national database of unorganised workers that has been built by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) along with the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The portal was launched on August 26, 2021, with an intention of making a database of workers in the unorganised sector. The data gathered from the portal will help in delivering the benefits to those who are eligible for social security and welfare schemes.
Each and every registered worker gets a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN). This number acts as a Permanent Identification Number for availing services and schemes of the government.
With time, e-Shram has become more than just a database of workers; it has now become a one stop solution to the social security schemes.
Who Will Be Allowed to Register Themselves for e-Shram Card in 2026?
The online e-Shram portal will be designed for the benefit of the workers in the unorganised sector. In other words, those who do not get social security through the nature of their jobs will be allowed to register themselves for the same.
The following categories could be eligible for registration,
- Agricultural workers, Construction workers, Domestic workers, Street vendors, Auto-rickshaw drivers, Migrant workers, Gig/Platform workers, Certain self-employed workers
- In general terms, the applicant should be within the age limit of 16-59 years. It is important for him/her to be an unorganised worker without any coverage under formal social security like EPFO and ESIC.
- In addition to that, the income taxpayers will not be allowed to register themselves under the above-mentioned criterion.
Documents Needed for e-Shram Card Registration
It is noteworthy that the e-Shram registration process would not require much physical paperwork. It is mainly based on Aadhaar-based authentication. Therefore, the applicant will need only his/her Aadhaar number and mobile number linked with his/her Aadhaar.
Along with that, bank account details will also be needed such as account number and IFSC code especially for receiving eligible benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Steps to Register on the e-Shram Portal Website
Those workers who fulfill the eligibility criteria are eligible to apply to e-Shram Portal online.
Step 1: Open the e-Shram Portal
Visit the e-Shram portal and click on registering on e-Shram portal.
Step 2: Fill in Mobile Number and Aadhaar Details
Fill in the mobile number associated with Aadhaar and go through the verification process. The OTP will be sent on the registered mobile number.
Step 3: Aadhaar-based e-KYC
If the verification process is successful, the basic details like name, date of birth, and address will be fetched from Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
Step 4: Fill Occupation Details
The applicant needs to provide his/her occupation details along with skills and educational qualification. Also, the details of the bank account are mandatory.
Step 5: Declaration
The applicant will be required to make a declaration confirming that the information is correct as well as he/she is fulfilling the eligibility criteria which includes EPFO, ESIC and income tax eligibility criteria.
Step 6: Get the e-Shram UAN Card
After completing the registration process, the worker will be getting a 12 digit e-Shram UAN. The card can be printed for future use.
Workers without access to smartphone and computer can get assistance from the CSC and State Seva Kendra.
Which Social Security Benefits Do e-Shram Entitled People To?
The most significant benefit of e-Shram is that it enables eligible people to access several welfare and social security schemes provided by the government. It must be noted, though, that enrolling in e-Shram does not necessarily ensure that all workers will get access to all benefits offered.
- Accident Insurance
- Pension Scheme
- Life Insurance
- Employment Opportunities
- Skill Development
- Self-Employment Credit Scheme
Why Is e-Shram Necessary for the Unorganised Workers?
A large number of India’s unorganised sector consists of the working population in India, but many unorganised informal workers have found it challenging to access the formal social security system in the past.
Through the development of the e-Shram database, a database of unorganised workers has been formed. With a universal UAN ID, it may become easy to register such workers to make them benefit from the different schemes by the government.
Such an initiative becomes particularly significant for those who keep changing their jobs or work independently or informally.
Is the Registration on the e-Shram Portal Free?
Yes. The registration on the e-Shram portal is absolutely free. There is no need for registration charges for the eligible workers to register for e-Shram UAN ID.
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