Government Schemes📖 3 min read

e-Shram Portal Completes 5 Years: Digital Social Security for Unorganised Workers

The e-Shram Portal has marked five years of providing a digital social security net for India's vast unorganised workforce.

Source: GNews PM Scheme
Summary of News

The e-Shram Portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, has completed five successful years. This portal aims to create a national database of unorganised workers (NDUW) to facilitate the delivery of social security benefits. As of its fifth anniversary, the e-Shram Portal has registered 31.89 crore unorganised workers across the country. This initiative is a significant step towards formalising the informal sector and ensuring that workers like construction labourers, migrant workers, street vendors, and domestic workers receive government support. The e-Shram Portal allows workers to register themselves and obtain a Universal Account Number (UAN) card, which helps in identifying them and linking them to various welfare schemes. The portal's success highlights India's commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive development and social protection.

Why It Matters

The e-Shram Portal is crucial for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions) and SSC General Awareness. It demonstrates the government's efforts in social security, labour welfare, and digital governance. Aspirants should understand its objectives, target beneficiaries, and impact on India's informal economy. Knowledge of such schemes is vital for questions on poverty alleviation, inclusive growth, and administrative reforms.

Key Points for Exam
  • The e-Shram Portal has completed 5 years since its launch.
  • It has registered 31.89 crore unorganised workers.
  • The portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
  • It aims to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
  • Registered workers receive a Universal Account Number (UAN) card.
  • The portal helps in delivering social security benefits to informal sector workers.
Important Keywords Explained
e-Shram Portalscheme

The e-Shram Portal is a national database of unorganised workers launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India. It aims to register and provide social security benefits to workers in the informal sector, such as construction workers, migrant labourers, street vendors, and domestic workers. Workers receive a Universal Account Number (UAN) card upon registration.

Unorganised Workersconcept

Unorganised workers are those who work in enterprises or establishments not covered by the Factories Act, 1948, or the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. They typically lack formal employment contracts, social security benefits, and often work in hazardous conditions. Examples include daily wage labourers, agricultural workers, and self-employed individuals.

Universal Account Number (UAN)concept

A Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit number provided to registered unorganised workers under the e-Shram Portal. This number helps in identifying the worker and linking them to various social security and welfare schemes offered by the government. It acts as a unique identifier for accessing benefits.

Additional Facts & Context
1The e-Shram Portal was launched on August 26, 2021.
2The portal is integrated with the National Career Service (NCS) portal.
3Workers aged between 16 and 59 years are eligible to register on e-Shram.
4The portal provides accidental insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
Examiner's Tip

Examiners frequently ask about the objectives, target beneficiaries, and implementing ministry of government schemes like e-Shram. Be prepared for questions on the number of registered workers and the benefits provided.

🧠
Memory Trick

Remember 'e-Shram' as 'Electronic Labour' for unorganised workers, helping them get 'UAN' (You-Are-Numbered) for benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary objective of the e-Shram Portal?

The primary objective of the e-Shram Portal is to create a comprehensive national database of unorganised workers (NDUW) to facilitate the delivery of social security and welfare benefits directly to them, ensuring their protection and well-being.

Which ministry launched the e-Shram Portal?

The e-Shram Portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, as a key initiative to formalise and support the country's vast unorganised workforce.

What is the significance of the Universal Account Number (UAN) card provided by e-Shram?

The Universal Account Number (UAN) card is significant because it provides a unique identification to unorganised workers, enabling them to access various government welfare schemes and social security benefits seamlessly across different platforms.

Connected Concepts / Topics
Get direct updates on TelegramDaily current affairs + quiz + monthly PDFs — 100% freeJoin Channel →