E Shram Card
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E Shram Card: Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining

The E Shram Card is a crucial initiative by the Government of India aimed at creating a comprehensive database of unorganised workers in the country. This card serves as a gateway to various government schemes and benefits, ensuring that the welfare measures reach the intended beneficiaries. The unorganised sector, which includes millions of workers from various fields such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work, often lacks access to social security and other benefits. The E Shram Card is designed to address this gap, providing a safety net for these workers. In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria for obtaining the E Shram Card and the benefits it offers.

What is the E Shram Card?

The E Shram Card is a part of the E Shram Portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The portal is intended to register workers from the unorganised sector and provide them with a unique identification number (UAN). This UAN helps workers access various government schemes, including insurance, pension, and health benefits. The E Shram Card also serves as an important document for workers, allowing them to prove their employment status and claim benefits.

The card aims to create a national database of unorganised workers, enabling the government to formulate targeted policies and schemes for their welfare. It also helps in tracking the migration of workers and providing them with benefits irrespective of their location.

Eligibility Criteria for E Shram Card

To ensure that the benefits of the E Shram Card reach the most deserving individuals, the government has laid down specific eligibility criteria. These criteria are designed to identify the workers who are most in need of social security and welfare benefits. Below are the key eligibility criteria for obtaining the E Shram Card:

  1. Age Criteria
    • The applicant must be between 16 and 59 years of age.
    • This age range ensures that the card is available to workers who are actively engaged in employment and need social security.
  2. Employment Status
    • The E Shram Card is specifically designed for workers in the unorganised sector. This includes a wide range of occupations such as agriculture labourers, construction workers, domestic workers, street vendors, and many others.
    • Workers who are not formally employed in the organised sector (e.g., those without a fixed salary, employment contract, or social security benefits) are eligible to apply.
  3. Self-Declaration of Income
    • Applicants need to provide a self-declaration of their income. Typically, workers with an annual income below ₹1.5 lakhs are eligible to apply.
    • The income declaration helps ensure that the card is issued to those who genuinely need financial assistance and support.
  4. Aadhaar Linked Mobile Number
    • The applicant must have a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card. This linkage is crucial as it allows for easy verification of identity and ensures that benefits are disbursed directly to the right individuals.
    • The Aadhaar-linked mobile number also enables workers to access various government services online.
  5. Unorganised Worker
    • Only those who are employed in the unorganised sector are eligible for the E Shram Card. The unorganised sector comprises workers who are not covered by any of the following:
      • Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO)
      • Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
      • Any other formal social security schemes of the government.
  6. No Taxpayer
    • The applicant should not be a taxpayer. Individuals who are paying income tax are considered to be part of the organised sector or financially stable and are therefore not eligible for the E Shram Card.
    • This criterion ensures that the benefits are targeted towards the most economically vulnerable workers.
  7. Resident of India
    • The applicant must be a resident of India. The E Shram Card is intended for Indian citizens, ensuring that government resources are directed towards improving the welfare of Indian workers.

Documents Required for E Shram Card Application

To apply for the E Shram Card, eligible workers need to submit certain documents. These documents are necessary for verifying the applicant’s eligibility and ensuring that the benefits reach the right individuals. Below is a list of the essential documents required for the E Shram Card application:

  1. Aadhaar Card
    • The Aadhaar card is the primary identification document required for applying for the E Shram Card. It serves as proof of identity and helps in linking the applicant’s mobile number for verification.
  2. Bank Account Details
    • Applicants need to provide their bank account details, including the account number and IFSC code. This information is required to facilitate the direct transfer of benefits to the worker’s bank account.
  3. Income Certificate
    • An income certificate may be required to verify the applicant’s income status. This document helps ensure that the benefits are provided to those who genuinely need financial assistance.
  4. Proof of Employment
    • Depending on the occupation, applicants may need to provide proof of employment, such as a letter from an employer, a self-declaration, or any other relevant document.
  5. Passport-sized Photograph
    • A recent passport-sized photograph is required for the E Shram Card application. This photograph will be used on the card itself.

Benefits of the E Shram Card

The E Shram Card offers a range of benefits to workers in the unorganised sector. These benefits are designed to provide social security, financial assistance, and access to various government schemes. Below are some of the key benefits of the E Shram Card:

  1. Accidental Insurance Coverage
    • E Shram Cardholders are eligible for accidental insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). This insurance provides coverage of up to ₹2 lakhs in the event of accidental death or permanent disability.
  2. Access to Government Schemes
    • The E Shram Card serves as a gateway to various government welfare schemes. Cardholders can easily access schemes related to health, insurance, pension, and skill development.
  3. Portability of Benefits
    • The benefits of the E Shram Card are portable, meaning that workers can access their benefits irrespective of their location. This is particularly beneficial for migrant workers who frequently move from one place to another in search of employment.
  4. Social Security Benefits
    • The E Shram Card provides workers with access to social security benefits, including pension schemes and health insurance. This ensures that workers in the unorganised sector have a safety net to fall back on in times of need.
  5. Financial Inclusion
    • By linking the E Shram Card with bank accounts, the government promotes financial inclusion among unorganised workers. This enables workers to receive benefits directly in their bank accounts, reducing the dependency on cash transactions.
  6. Skill Development Programs
    • Cardholders may also be eligible for various skill development programs aimed at enhancing their employability and earning potential. These programs help workers acquire new skills and improve their chances of securing better-paying jobs.
  7. Access to Health Benefits
    • E Shram Cardholders can access health benefits under various government schemes, including affordable healthcare services and subsidised medicines. This ensures that workers have access to essential healthcare services without financial burden.
  8. Pension Schemes
    • The government offers pension schemes to E Shram Cardholders, ensuring that they have financial security in their old age. These schemes provide regular income to workers after retirement.
  9. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
    • The E Shram Card enables workers to receive direct benefit transfers (DBT) from the government. This ensures timely and efficient disbursement of financial assistance and subsidies.
  10. Track and Manage Workforce
  • The E Shram Portal helps the government track and manage the workforce in the unorganised sector. This data is essential for formulating policies and schemes that address the specific needs of these workers.

Conclusion

The E Shram Card is a significant step towards ensuring the welfare of workers in the unorganised sector. By providing a unique identification number and access to various government schemes, the E Shram Card empowers workers to claim their rights and benefits. The eligibility criteria are designed to target the most vulnerable workers, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need them the most. If you meet the eligibility criteria, applying for the E Shram Card is a simple process that can unlock a range of social security and welfare benefits for you and your family.

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