The e-Shram card is the national identity for India’s 40-crore-strong unorganised workforce. Registering creates your permanent 12-digit UAN in the National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW), unlocks accident insurance, and routes central and state welfare benefits to you — free, in about 10 minutes.
Key facts
| What | National registration + ID card for unorganised workers |
| Who | Workers aged 16–59 not in EPFO/ESIC, not income-tax payers |
| Cost | Free (self-registration and CSC both) |
| Insurance | Accident cover up to ₹2 lakh (PMSBY-linked) |
| Validity | Lifetime UAN — update details as they change |
| Portal | eshram.gov.in |
Why register
- Accident insurance: up to ₹2 lakh for accidental death/permanent disability
- Benefit targeting: states use the database for cash transfers, welfare board benefits and emergency support (as seen during COVID)
- Portability: migrant workers stay visible to schemes in any state
- Scheme convergence: the profile links to pensions (PM-SYM), skilling and job matching over time
How to register
- Self-register on eshram.gov.in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile (OTP) — or visit any CSC for free biometric registration
- Enter occupation, education, bank account and address details
- Download your e-Shram card with UAN immediately
- Full walkthrough: e-Shram apply guide
Free registration — takes about 10 minutes with Aadhaar.
Keep your record active
- Update occupation, mobile and bank details when they change — see the update/download guide
- An accurate occupation entry matters: states target benefits occupation-wise (e.g., construction workers, fishers)
- Check eligibility rules before registering family members
Frequently asked questions
Does e-Shram pay a monthly allowance?
No — the card itself pays nothing monthly. It is a registry that carries insurance and makes you eligible for targeted benefits when announced.
Can I register if I also do MGNREGA work?
Yes — MGNREGA workers are unorganised workers and should register.
Is there any renewal fee?
No renewal, no fee, no expiry. Beware of agents charging for “e-Shram renewal” — it does not exist.
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Disclaimer: PMYojnaUpdates.com is an independent information portal, not affiliated with any government department. Always verify details on the official site eshram.gov.in before applying.