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Context

The Ministry of Labour & Employment stated that as of July 2025, over 30.95 crore unorganised workers have registered on the eShram portal. 

E-Shram Portal

The Ministry of Labour & Employment launched the e-Shram portal in August 2021.

Its core objective is to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW), which is linked with Aadhaar.

This digital platform allows unorganised workers to self-declare their occupation, address, educational qualifications, skill sets, and family details. 

Upon successful registration, each worker receives a 12 digit unique Universal Account Number (UAN) e-Shram Card. 

Significance of E-Shram Database

Identifying and Categorising => It provides a clear picture of the informal workforce, their occupations, and geographical distribution.

Targeted Delivery => With a verified database, welfare benefits can reach the intended beneficiaries directly, reducing leakages. Imagine the challenge of distributing food aid or financial support without knowing exactly who needs it and where they are!

Portability of Benefits => For migrant workers, the UAN card can enable them to access social security benefits across different states, a significant step towards 'one nation, one ration card' for social security.

Key Features and Benefits for Workers

Accident Insurance Coverage => Registered workers are eligible for accidental insurance cover through the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), providing Rs. 2 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability and Rs. 1 lakh for partial disability.

Future Social Security Benefits => The database acts as a gateway for the future rollout of social security schemes like pensions, health benefits, and skill development programs.

Skill Upgradation => The portal collects data on skill sets, which can be used for linking workers to skill development initiatives like Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

Tracking and Monitoring =>  Government can track the movement of workers, their employment status, and the impact of welfare schemes.

Challenges 

Awareness and Digital Literacy => Many unorganised workers, especially in rural areas, lack digital literacy and awareness about the portal.

Self-Declaration Accuracy => Ensuring the accuracy of self-declared data requires robust verification mechanisms.

Integration with Existing Schemes => Seamless integration of the NDUW with all existing and future state and central welfare schemes is crucial.

Funding and Sustainability => Ensuring long-term funding and administrative support for the portal and its associated benefits.

Data Privacy => Protecting the vast amount of personal data collected on the portal is paramount. The government must ensure robust data protection frameworks.

Way Forward

Intensive Awareness Campaigns => Leverage local bodies, NGOs, and Common Service Centers (CSCs) for mass awareness.

Simplified Registration Process => Continuously simplify the registration process to make it accessible to all.

Convergence of Schemes => Actively integrate e-Shram with all relevant schemes like PM-KISAN, Ayushman Bharat, and pension schemes.

Grievance Redressal => Establish strong grievance redressal mechanisms for workers.

Skill Mapping and Employment Linkages => Use the skill data to connect workers with employment opportunities and skill upgradation courses. 

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Source: BUSINESS-STANDARD